filteration whats good for axolotls

[Zolotl]

Hi Everyone,

I have a tank thats about 45cm by 30cm in width and about 35-40cm high (only estimates) so it would be around 2 thirds full so less then 50 liters I guess.
I am currently using a corner filter with wool and carbon with an air pump I though this might be good for my axolotl as I only have one and I hear that they do not like excessive currents and aeration as this causes stress to them. Would this corner filter be enough for my tank or would it be better to use a small power filter for max (55 litre) tank that has a sponge and sprays water out on the surface of the water or in a jet?
I would just like to know what you guys use for filteration and what you find works or not. Since my tank is fairly small I dont want a filter that causes excessive turbulence I guess.

any thoughts?

Peter

 

[ianclick]

Re: filteratipn whats good for axolotls

Hi Zolotl,

Filtration is not essential but it does help alot in maintainig a healthy tank and good water parameters. Its hard to comment on the suitablity of your filter without knowing what its filtration rate is ie; how many litres per hour. If you weren't going to use one you would need to be doing more frequent partial water changes and tests.

I reccommend using a filter if it causes too much current then you could look at a spray bar dispenser.

Good Luck

 

[Zolotl]

Re: filteratipn whats good for axolotls

Thanks click, Im currently using a box filter with wool and charcoal, I dont think that is bad in regards for current? Just got up now its 6:50 am my lotls swimming around like a moron, much more different then the whole day where he was just zonked out in one spot

 

[Jennewt]

Re: filteratipn whats good for axolotls

I think that the corner box filters are fine. However, since axolotls tend to make a lot of mess, you'll need to change the wool fairly often. For a tank this size, it would be better to have two of them. (If your air pump is strong enough, you can split the air flow to drive both from one air pump.)

A power filter would provide better filtration, and it would probably be easier to clean. The disadvantage you already know - you need a way to disperse the flow and avoid a current.

Since you already have the corner filter, I would say stick with that. You may need to do some siphoning fairly often to prevent crud buildup, since the corner filter isn't super-efficient. If the crud becomes a problem, you could consider switching.

 

[madFrankie]

Re: filteratipn whats good for axolotls

I have an external canister filter in my Axie tank. It's got a spray-bar that points the flow against the glass at the back of the tank and hence causes very little water flow in the tank.
It's also dead-easy to clean and really flexible around the types of filter media that you can put in it.

The canister filter works really well for me because it doesn't take up very much tank realeastate, just the out- and in-tubes, which would be handy in your situation having a smaller tank.

One point to consider though: they're not exactly cheap, mine is a fairly modest one and it cost $AU199.00