Filter position and speed

[sliemm]

I've got a few questions regarding my filter setup. I've got an Eden 325 internal filter, and it has four speed settings. For the first week I had it set on the lowest speed, but the water got dirty pretty quickly. I cleaned the tank and have now put the filter on the second lowest setting. I'm going on what I read on axolotl.org - that axies don't like fast flowing water.
Right now there's a bit of a current going round the top of the water, and I can see bits of old food circulating round the centre of the tank, too. I'm just not sure if I have the filter on too high a speed - I don't want the axies to be uncomfortable or stressed. What's the ideal speed?
Also, I have the nozzle that swings back and forth completely underwater, as per the instructions on the filter box, but I read somewhere else in a forum that it's best to have a "spray" breaking the surface of the water. Can anyone tell me if my setup sounds OK, or do I need to have the nozzle above the water level?

 

[dad of axle]

I am sure some one with knowledge and exerience will reply to your question. I am fairly new to axolotls and their care. But I would think that you can watch how your axies react as a guide for a start.

If they are avoiding the current or the filter , if there gills are pushed forward in a stressed position etc. Basically look for signs of changes in their behaviour.

I only have a small sponge filter that is designed for a 20 ltr tank that is sitting in about 100 ltrs in a tank that takes up to 180 ltrs. I have also just purchased an air bar for the tank and am still working out how to set it up properly. My axie likes to knock my filter over and play in the bubbles. that head towards the surface.

Another thing you could consider is what the chemical levels are like in your tank. I don't have a test kit yet but plan on buying some test strips this week as my next shopping adventure. That way I will know what the amonia and nitrate levels are in the tank and how well my filter etc is working.
I have also bought some pennywort plant in the last week so that will be a guide to the water quality too.

 

[lollypop]

My big tank has always had a good flow of water and is really highly oxygenated my two adults have grown up this way and are extremely happy. One of the downfalls of this is that there gill stalks and filiments are quite small. This seems to not worry them (been this way for years now) this is not particularly appealing for a lot of owners. My juvies are all in filtered tanks but I have broken the flow of water on all of their tanks with cut up pop bottles (all the edges rounded by heating them) so although it's well filtered its very calm and hardly a ripple. So the juvies have very full fluffy gills.
The point is like has been said watch your pet are they happy. Any change in behaviour do they spend more time in hides where there is less flow. If so then let necessity be the mother of invention. And put plants or hides oh the way of the spray from the filter. You can you tube mods on filters. Look for ones on betta fish tanks as they don't like currents either.
Hth

Oh and as a ps. The test strips are really inaccurate. If you can get the liquid ones. If you can't afford the master test kit start with one test at a time. But take a sample to your local (of water that is fish shop they will usually test for you. Often it's free or for just a really nominal charge. But I have used a dip stick alongside the test bottles and yeah not accurate.

 

[dad of axle]

I hope the issue with the filter speet was sorted out, I have bought a valve that adjusts the air for my air stone/bar and the bubbles are now a lot softer in the tank and dont seem to cause distresse to my Axle.

I also took Lollypops advice and bought a Master Test Kit instead of the strips, I will have a go and testing the parameters of the five measurements in the kit during the cooler weather on the weekend. At the moment I am waiting for my new chiller to arrive.

It is amazing how much money one can spend on these little dears

 

[sliemm]

Cheers guys. I've adjusted the filter speed right down to its lowest setting again - it seemed that when I turned it up a notch the axies weren't moving as much; they tended to hide right underneath the filter (there's just enough space for them to snuggle in there between its base and the sand). Their gills weren't turned forward, but it was obvious from the circulation of food matter etc round the centre of the tank that the current was pretty hefty. Now I've turned it down again, they're back to their usual lively behaviour. Just looks like I'll be cleaning out the tank a lot more often than I anticipated...

I might buy an air bar to break to surface with bubbles too. My axies regularly come up for gulps of air - is this a normal thing for them to do?

And yes, a chemical test kit might be the go too, although every time I clean the tank I use Prime to get rid of the chlorine, chloramine and ammonia, plus some dechlorinating salts for good measure. Still, for peace of mind I'll use a test kit just to make sure things are all good in the water.

 

[yellowpebble]

hey! i have had similar problems with filters. Axolotls need high filtration because they are mucky, so the best way to go would be with a higher setting and try to lessen the water flow. If you can find A spray bar to fit your filter that would be great, if not you gan get a sutable sized hose and poke holes through it and attach it to your nozzel. To get a size that fits perfectly on your filter you might have to go to the hardware store.

You can also try pointing the filter at the side of the tank, or placing lots of plastic plants or tank decorations over the output. I did this with an elastic hair tie around the filter and it held lots of plastic plants in place over the output, it worked wonderfly. If its possible, have the filters output above the surface of the water and the water tention should break up some of the force.