Converting a used Cichlid tank?

[azuregirl]

Hi! I have a 240L tank (122x46x46cm) that I have been using for cichlids they have now gone and I was wondering if this tank would be ok for an Axel?
Was going to do a half water change and top up with micro-filtered tap water then add the chlorine killen chemicals, this sound ok?
Have to change the gravel! mines only match-head size which sounds to small from the articles!?
Filter is a otto canister filter - cleans 1200-1800L/hr is working on a rain bar is this gonna be to much water friction for Axel's?
How full should I fill the tank? I want it to look very nice with plants and stuff!
Oh and do you think I could leave the Plecos still in it with the Axles I have had them for so long and they are so big now I really dont want to get rid of them!!

 

[JWERNER]

You should really consider stripping the tank down and starting from scratch.

Also I would never ever keep Plecos in with them regardless of size of either animal. The Axels have delicate skin and plecos love to harass fish and other animals that may produce slime or even feel like they do.

The filtration sounds fine as long as its not to much current. I never heard of that canister before. Does it come with quick release valves that you could use to adjust the flow if it is to strong?

 

[gr33neyes]

Hi there.
A Pleco is one of the worst tank companions you could keep with an axolotl.
Have you ever noticed your Pleco's built in defence?
When it feels threatened or gets bitten or swallowed it flicks out those spiky fins either side of its gills. Imagine that stuck in your throat. Imagine it stuck in an axolotls throat. Very difficult to remove and you run the risk of losing both your pets.
Take a look in the gallery section for some inspiration on decorating your tank, you should find some ideas there.
Good luck.

 

[blueberlin]

Hi Azuregirl,

Does the filter really say it's for 1200-1800 liters? That would be a HUGE aquarium. Maybe it's 120-180l?

I have one filter that is a bit too strong for the tank - I bought these cubes of green foam with a hole in them and fit them over the intake pipe, and attached a second spray bar to the first with a short piece of tubing - this works wonderfully.

What does "micro-filtered tap water" mean?

I have my tanks filled to about 3 inches from the top. This is not necessary for the axolotls, but I think it looks much nicer than a tank only half-full - purely an aesthetic consideration.

-Eva

 

[azuregirl]

Thanks Heaps EVERYONE


Have totally cleaned the tank out and starting fresh!


Still unsure what to do with my big Plecos, maybe Ill set up their own tank, then I could run water throught theirs for a clean and into the Axel's, lol.


Yeah very nice photos of tanks, onces im all set up ill post a picture of what ive done!

Will have ta go look at my canister and see if i cant lower the watt or whatever ya do to it to slow down the output of water. (Brand: Otto)


Micro-filtration is any filter that cleans water .1microns but generally they are sold as cleaning .3-.5microns, which apparently is small enough to capture E. coli Bacteria and other dangerous bacteria that may be lurking in the tap water, never mind lead and chlorine, pestisides and that kind of nasties. My hubbys a plumber every house we move to gets the micro-filter attached to the kitchen sink, apparently some of that stuff is bad for pregnant women to drink a lot of! Thought i give ya a heads up!!

Thanks again

 

[JWERNER]

Sounds good but I suggest not using the Plecos water at all in the new tank.


Also, I read up on the Otto and I didn't see anything about a flow adjusting or quick release valve. What you could do is just pack that canister tight with filter floss. That should help reduce the flow if you need to,... I'm not sure if you will.