Deep Cleaning and Introducing Sand

[Neomorph99]

Hello there!

I've had two juvie axolotls in a 20 gal long tank for a few months now (I do not plan on keeping them both in here as adults, I realize that's quite small for two). Anyway, they have had a bare-bottom set up while they are growing to avoid impaction. Their tank is cycled, I do weekly water changes, etc, and they are thriving and happy. Lately, I've noticed plant debris and dirt from the earthworms I feed them is building up and making a mess in the bottom of the tank. My siphon will not pick up this gunk from the bottom when I do water changes. So, I wanted to do a deep clean and remove all the build-up. Of course, I've read about deep cleans breaking the tank cycle. To avoid this, I was planning on putting my axies in a large tub with some of the current tank water, and keep their hang-on back filter and sponge filter running in the tub so the bacteria doesn't die (hopefully). Then I would empty their tank and scoop out all the gunk. Lastly I would refill the tank with fresh dechlorinated water along with some of the old tank water, and put their filters back in. My first question is: does this sound like a good plan?

Secondly, I was also considering adding sand to the bottom of their tank after I scoop the gunk out. My axanthic axie is especially hard to see on the bare bottom, so I want something to lighten it up. Will adding sand affect the tank cycle at this stage? I've heard people have issues with ammonia after adding sand.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Covey]

Hello there!

I've had two juvie axolotls in a 20 gal long tank for a few months now (I do not plan on keeping them both in here as adults, I realize that's quite small for two). Anyway, they have had a bare-bottom set up while they are growing to avoid impaction. Their tank is cycled, I do weekly water changes, etc, and they are thriving and happy. Lately, I've noticed plant debris and dirt from the earthworms I feed them is building up and making a mess in the bottom of the tank. My siphon will not pick up this gunk from the bottom when I do water changes. So, I wanted to do a deep clean and remove all the build-up. Of course, I've read about deep cleans breaking the tank cycle. To avoid this, I was planning on putting my axies in a large tub with some of the current tank water, and keep their hang-on back filter and sponge filter running in the tub so the bacteria doesn't die (hopefully). Then I would empty their tank and scoop out all the gunk. Lastly I would refill the tank with fresh dechlorinated water along with some of the old tank water, and put their filters back in. My first question is: does this sound like a good plan?

Secondly, I was also considering adding sand to the bottom of their tank after I scoop the gunk out. My axanthic axie is especially hard to see on the bare bottom, so I want something to lighten it up. Will adding sand affect the tank cycle at this stage? I've heard people have issues with ammonia after adding sand.

Thanks for any advice!

How long are your axolotls? If theyre less than 4 inches, dont add sand as it will cause impaction. Maybe get a larger bucket so you can drain all of the water and adding it back after cleaning so your tank cycle won't crash. And sand is also the hardest substrate to clean for an axolotl, even gravel (dont use gravel!) and slate tiles are easier to clean. Use bare bottom or slate tiles (if you use slate tiles gunk may settle underneath and become a hassle, hence why bare bottom is best).

 

[wolfen]

you are going to be having to do a lot of tank cleaning over the years if you are planning to scrub every time it gets stuck on muck.
put rocks in, slate etc.. so a bit of muck is less noticeable.
use a clean sponge and just stick your hand in the tank to remove any stuck on pieces.
do not empty and clean the tank as you are just going to be causing stress for your axies, risk damaging your bacteria colony, making more work for yourself, and lastly it will only happen again months later.
make sure your axolotls are big enough for sand, make sure the sand is thoroughly rinsed/cleaned through, don't have the sand to deep so it doesn't build up any gas pockets.

 

[Neomorph99]

How long are your axolotls? If theyre less than 4 inches, dont add sand as it will cause impaction. Maybe get a larger bucket so you can drain all of the water and adding it back after cleaning so your tank cycle won't crash. And sand is also the hardest substrate to clean for an axolotl, even gravel (dont use gravel!) and slate tiles are easier to clean. Use bare bottom or slate tiles (if you use slate tiles gunk may settle underneath and become a hassle, hence why bare bottom is best).

Got it! They are about 6 - 7 inches long so I'd feel comfortable using sand. I've read all about impaction. The reason I want to use sand now instead of a bare bottom is that I literally can't see my axanthic axie due to the glass reflecting on the bottom. It's hard to find him to tong-feed now that he's darker in color. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with substrate at all.