Axy deco questions

[krizzy]

Hi, I'ma start decoing my tank tomorrow, and before I go out and buy anything I wanted to check a few things first.

For something like this, would I have to be concerned about an axy trying to fit through those smaller holes once he/she's bigger? (New (soon to be) owner, just don't know anything about axy behavior yet.)

For rocks like these, I would need to glue them together if I stacked/built like a mini cave/bridge type thing, right? If so, what kind of glue would I use?

Would these types of things constitute as hides or does it need to be something completely secluded?

Also, when it says that a plant (particularly Dwarf Anubias and Java Fern) requires "low" light, could this mean without a light on the tank at all? Like would the light I use in my room during my daily routine (mostly a ton of Texas sun that comes in through my blind and curtained windows, it's a ton - and I should probably note that the tank is on the furthest wall form this window) be enough?

 

[dragonlady]

What size tank do you have? Substrate?

Floor space means a lot as axies (especially young ones love to explore). Your first piece is lovely, but depending on how small those holes really are, I'd be afraid of an axie becoming stuck - I know someone who ended up breaking their ornament because their eel got trapped inside.

The slate pieces are nice and I would think simple aquarium sealant would hold that together fine. Let it cure and rinse a few times before adding it in.

It doesn't need to be elaborate or completely secluded, just somewhere to get out of the light. Personally, I don't think I'd want my pet completely out of my sight. Some use flower pots, pvc pipe, driftwood, and/or the slate you show.

I'd say a low wattage bulb would suffice for the plants plus enable you to see to clean the tank more easily.

Pretty exciting! Love to see the tank (and your axie) once you're all set up!

 

[krizzy]

I have a 45 gallon tank with like an inch of that black Tahitian Moon sand.

So would something like this be better? Or maybe this? Or did you mean I shouldn't use something large on the floor of the tank at all?
I know it doesn't have to be incredibly fancy, but I'd really like to do a nice piece for the axies and me, but I don't want to try real driftwood or anything, because I don't want to do it wrong. Maybe I will just stick with the rock pieces and see what I can make...

Sooo I really do need a light then? (I'd love to have one, but my concern comes in at the temperature problem I'm having. Working on a water cooler atm though! Just trying to get the tank to start cycling already with everything in place, so there will be no surprises once it's axy time.)

Thanks for all the info though! And yeah! I can't wait until it's all done, so I can show you guys!!! (You guys, as in the forums/axy page since this is where I've learned pretty much everything I know about axies now!)

 

[dragonlady]

Both of these last pieces are nice. Tahitian sand is beautiful too, in black - sounds like you are considering an albino or leucistic. No, how you decorate is up to you and you have plenty of room! 45 gallons for one axie? That's a lot of space! Of course, you should be warned, they are addictive - I'm up to 9 myself and now, my husband has taken a liking to the wilds!! sooooo.... Well,anyway, back to you!

With using something large, I consider ease of cleaning - the more ornaments, the more stuff I have to move around to clean. Ultimately, up to you, just be aware that these ornaments are usually created using a mold and somewhere there is usually a hole allowing access inside and axies are very curious. Real driftwood can be lovely, just has to be prepared properly. When used with real plants, absolutely beautiful!

You don't need a light, but a small one mounted above the tank shouldn't interfere with the temp that much - say a 15w. I just find a light easier - I use a light for cleaning and as a signal to my guys that it's feeding time (I can see them better during these times).

I know the summers can be brutal in Texas and temp maintenance is a factor. Sometimes a simple fan blowing across the surface makes a big difference as it aids in evaporation thus cooling the water.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of filtration will you be using? - just curious.

Sounds like you are really doing your research - so kudos to you for that.

 

[krizzy]

Yeah, actually while I was out I took a look at the second one in the largest size (slightly different design and looks more like a stump with roots), and there is a hole in the bottom and a really large one up top. What is the smallest size hole you'd recommend as safe? Or maybe I could just fill the hole?

Yeah, I'm hoping for some leustics! And I was actually considering 2 or 3 axies?

I can get a light then. I've got a bunch of ideas in mind from the cooling page on the axie site, but I really just want to get the main piece before I start collecting everything else to make sure it's going to provide me with a big enough temp drop for the other ideas to really matter (current temp is 80! :x that's with nothing running yet though). The feeding signal is a cool idea though!

Right now, I have a sponge filter, considering getting a second though.

 

[dragonlady]

I'd play it safe and plug any hole that leads inside an ornament. Axolotls are not very bright and if they find their way in, there stands a very good chance they won't find their way out.

Leucistics are cool and golden albinos (like my avatar - Nefertiti!) would look really nice against that black sand too!!

You definitely have room for 2-3 in that tank. Especially if it is a 45L.

Sounds like you have things under control - looking forward to some pics!

 

[Shizeric]

You definitely have room for 2-3 in that tank. Especially if it is a 45L.

She means 45 gallons...don't want anyone to accidently read this as put 2 or 3 Axies in a 45 Liter tank.

 

[dragonlady]

She means 45 gallons...don't want anyone to accidently read this as put 2 or 3 Axies in a 45 Liter tank.

oops...Thanks, Eric!