Question: Converting fish tank?

[Hamamelis]

I have two axys, one just under 6 inches (had since he hatched), and one baba who maybe just tops two (aquired from a friend who bred hers a few weeks ago). Currently, my larger one is in a 18" tank, which he's obviously going to outgrow fairly soon.

I also have a 2 foot tropical fish tank, which for various reasons now hardly has any fish in. I know he can't go in with the fish (at least, they wouldn't all *stay* together long ) so they'd need a new home, he doesn't need a heater as the room'd be warm enough, and the gravel would have to be swapped for sand. I also think I'll need to fit a spray bar on the filter, as it's a bit strong flow for axys- but what else would need doing to convert it over?

Can I let it cool naturally, and leave the filter in place, or will that kill off too many of the filter bacteria? Is it best to strip it right down, then cycle the filter again from scratch?

I know the 2 foot tank will get too small for both- but I don't currently have space for it, the 18" tank when the baba gets moved up from tupperware, and a bigger tank for the biggest one.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

One of my tanks is an "ex-tropical" and I've never had any problems with the axies being it. Having said that is wasn't being used for some time before I converted it. It may actually be beneficial that the filters are already used as they've already been filtering (obviously, haha). What I did with my filters was fill a bucket with dechlorinated water and left the filters running in it over night; to clear out any old gunk, etc and to make sure they were running probably. All I did with the tank was sterilise the inside with boiled water and give it a clean with said water once it had cooled. I then soaked all my new plants, subtrate etc overnight before adding them to the tank and filling it with its water. It was then left for a week with the filters running on and off to help further "age" it. What more can I say? My axies have been in there since April with absolutely no problems. Water quality is great and they're all in perfect health. Sorry this ended up so long by the way!

 

[argray90]

I would let the tank cool naturally. As far as I know it would not affect the bacteria growth in the tank and then you can add your axolotls much quicker. I would deff add a spray bar to the filter if you buy one from the retailer I would drill extra holes in it because it then makes outflow much less even. I would just add plants and multiple hides to the aquarium to make your axolotls feel comfortable and then you shouldnt have a problem adding them.

 

[Hamamelis]

Thanks

The filter's actually siliconed into the tank (I didn't buy it, was a present- not a fan of immoveable equipment personally), so I can't take it out to run in a bucket. Can take all the bits out seperately, just not all together!

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

Haha, I'm the same - hate it when I can't take things apart! Either way, it should be fine