Axolotls +Co2

[noahc808]

can I have a planted tank with co2 with my axolotls? Or is the co2 harmful to them?

 

[Dr. Phil]

Not quite sure what you mean. Are you adding CO2 to the tank to stimulate plant growth? I don't think that would be a good idea! It might stimulate the plant growth but will lower the pH and make for an unhappy axolotl.
If you want real plants in your tank, during the day (or under illumination) they will absorb the CO2 in the water produced by your axolotl and what dissolves in from the air. Plants also help to remove nitrogenous waste produced by axolotls. At night (or in the dark) plants respire just like animals and will deplete the oxygen in the water and release CO2. This should not be a problem if you have adequate filtration/aeration. I personally like to have some live plants in my aquaria. They need to be robust enough to handle the occassional whacking they will get from the animals. As you can see in the image, I've got a plastic plant in addition to some struggling elodea and chara (and a fair bit of algae covering everything). I couldn't help but add a couple of pics of my albino male and 'Cruella' the melanoid.

 

[JM29]

CO2 released by the axolotl(s) should be enough for the plants. No need to add more.
Aeration may be good for axolotls but not for the plants because it helps getting rid of CO2. I have none.
With fast-growing plants producing a lt of vegetal matter, Oxygen produced during the day is much more than oxygen consumed by the plants by night.
(with a good ligth of course)
Concerning filtration, I won't give any advice. It's a technical choice to have one or not. I have none.

My tank, in my garage.
The current temperature is 14°C. It can vary from 4 to 22°C between winter and summer.
The higher the temperature, the lesser oxygen you have in the water.

 

[Dr. Phil]

That's a pretty tank set up!

 

[JM29]

Thanks.
I began with only Egeria densa, hornwort and Lemna minor.
I added Bacopa caroliniana and Alternanthera reinecki when I saw the plants growing well and the axolotls Ok. Axolotls enrich the soil (river sand).
The last plant introduced was Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae.