Do I need live plants for my tank?

[Rune]

I am moving so I had to drain all the water and move everything out. I noticed a LOT of blackish color in my sand when I moved the (now dead) plants. I just can't seem to keep them alive. Are they necessary for my tank? I don't have my axolotl yet, I want to wait until after everything is moved.

 

[Trams]

I think plants are very necessary for keeping good ecosystem in axolotl tank. If you don't have plants No3 may be high. You must then change water frequently. Change frequently chemicals parameters is not good for aquatic life.

 

[keiko]

Plants are not absolutely necessary. but they do help keep the water better for your axies. My axies also like to hang out in the plants often.

What kind of plants did you have? The plants that work well with axies are usually pretty hardy and won't die easily. When you say the sand was black I wonder if it's possible there were some anaerobic bacteria in there..?

 

[Rune]

It was the java ferns and anubias ferns that died. I think because of a lack of sunlight? The moss balls and bamboo are still alive though.And when I pulled the plants out and drained the water it smelled bad. This is my first time seriously owning an aquarium so I am still trying to figure things out.