First Axie Setup

[KingCam]

I am hoping to acquire an axolotl soon. I recently found a new home for my common map turtles, so I just cleaned their tank and re-modelled it for an axolotl.

I know I need to fill this with plants. I plan to get some soon. Other than not having plants, does this setup look okay?

I did not include a filter because I was afraid it would move the water too much. I read that axies prefer still water. This is a ~45 gal. tank that I cannot fill up all the way because of a crack in the top back right corner.

Any feedback is welcomed. Please let me know if I'm doing something wrong!

It's the middle of a very hot summer right now. The basement should be even colder during fall-winter-spring.

 

[Ghost1]

Wish I had a basement. so hard to keep things cool with this ridiculous heat we're having.

 

[Dyelon]

I would say it looks good i would look out for some of the smaller rocks as the axie gets bigger and some of those sharper rocks might be a little dangerous. Personally i would try to get a low flow filter or maybe a nice sponge filter.

 

[KingCam]

Wish I had a basement. so hard to keep things cool with this ridiculous heat we're having.

Yeah no kidding! Sucks to be in Missouri this year.

I would say it looks good i would look out for some of the smaller rocks as the axie gets bigger and some of those sharper rocks might be a little dangerous. Personally i would try to get a low flow filter or maybe a nice sponge filter.

Okay, so replace the big jagged rocks with smooth ones, and take out the smaller rocks to be safe? I can do that. Thanks!

I will look into getting some kind of filter.

 

[KingCam]

Does this look better? I removed all the big rocks with jagged edges. Added some drift wood, and removed the river rocks.

Now I just need to acquire some plants & a low flow filter.

 

[shultzbaby]

That looks like a pretty bright light; I would get some floating plants established before introducing axolotls, or get some bigger hides for them. While its not absolutely necessary, your axies will be happier this way. Also if you don't plan on using a filter make sure your tank is at least cycled
I would highly recommend buying at least an air powered sponge filter (like ten bucks) and cycling with that. trust me it will make your life easier.
If you are unsure as to what cycling is then just Google "how to cycle a fish tank"
PS not trying to sound condescending, just trying to cover all the basics here

 

[shultzbaby]

Also if you want to get rid of that permanent marker (I think?), you can try a razor blade, "goo gone", or nail polish remover. But only if its a glass tank!

 

[KingCam]

That looks like a pretty bright light; I would get some floating plants established before introducing axolotls, or get some bigger hides for them. While its not absolutely necessary, your axies will be happier this way. Also if you don't plan on using a filter make sure your tank is at least cycled
I would highly recommend buying at least an air powered sponge filter (like ten bucks) and cycling with that. trust me it will make your life easier.
If you are unsure as to what cycling is then just Google "how to cycle a fish tank"
PS not trying to sound condescending, just trying to cover all the basics here

Also if you want to get rid of that permanent marker (I think?), you can try a razor blade, "goo gone", or nail polish remover. But only if its a glass tank!

Thank you. I looked at wally world and didn't see anything like that in their fish section. I'll check at the local pet store tomorrow for a sponge filter.

I can take two of the light bulbs out of that fixture to make it darker. I did not realize axolotls were sensitive to light. I'm not really sure where to get floating plants without spending a fortune. Any advice?

I managed to get most of it off today with 91% rubbing alcohol, but thanks for the tip! I bet a razor blade would have worked just as well.

I'm not seeing the picture I tried to attach on my last post. Here is the tank with the changes made.

 

[Kaysie]

I buy my sponge filters online from Big Al's. Cheap and effective!

 

[KingCam]

I buy my sponge filters online from Big Al's. Cheap and effective!

Thanks for the tip. I ended up buying mine from amazon because I'm a prime member and can get free 2-day shipping there

I ordered two of these (click here), do you think that will be sufficient?