Got new tank today

[alamao]

Got a new tank setup today. 4 foot, by 1.2 foot by 3 foor high. got 5, 8 inch axies in it. power filter pointed to the side of the tank and using pure rain water. also put in some fake plants and cut a pot in half for housing. Buying some java moss in the next few days and will be buying better hiding spot audaments made from glass. Anyone got any other ideas. Also using bare bottom.
The tank was pretty well free got everything a stand, water condition, water testing kit, plastic plants, brand new 60 dollar filter and gravel and rocks.

 

[FX1C]

It's all about floor space with axies & the height of the water column isn't as important as the floor space available.

As a general rule on here it seems a good way to work out capacity is
1 axolotl per foot of tank in tanks over 2ft long.

2ft tank = 2 axolotls
3ft tank = 3 axolotls
4ft tank = 4 axolotls
etc..

So really 5 axies is going to be fairly close quarters in a 4ft tank for 5 adults up to 12inches each!

Are you going to cycle the tank before adding the axies to it? Or cycle with them in the water - cycling with them in will require frequent water parameter checks & water changes little & often - with 5 axies it's going to be hard work keeping on top of your ammonia levels.

Post a pic of your set up & that way it's easier to see any potential problems early on



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[FX1C]

Also pure rain water is no good for tanks as it is mineral deficient.

Dechlorinated tap water (aged 24-48hrs) is actually the best for aquariums - unless your tap water is unfit for humans - it's a far better water to use.



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[alamao]

I seriously doubt there going to be overcrowded since there still doing exactly what they did in the 2 foot tank they were in temporarily before. they like each others company and seem to stick together. I didn't have time to cycle the water and yes im doing contant water changes. i'd prefer that anyway because they are so messy. THe tap water here is very hard and very Alkaline rich which axies prefer. I'll be using it from now on the problem was I had to use rain water was because I was out of water conditioner and the biggest problem with our water is that the chlorine is so strong in the water that you can smell it quite strongly. The tank isn't fully setup yet still waiting on the java moss but I will definitely get some photos up. Cheers

 

[esn]

The one foot per axolotl rule does get more flexible as the tank goes up in size. Not all axolotls reach 12 inches. As long as he keeps up on water quality, I don't see any problem with 5 axolotls in a 4 foot tank.

 

[alamao]

Water quality I think it the biggest issue. been a day and the water is already mirky. Im thinking about making a filter based on the old cotton fibre filters which I think were best.

 

[iChris]

4 axies in a tank that size even with a healthy nitrogen cycle is really pushing it. I keep 2 large ones in a 3 ft bow front tank and that's a squeeze.

as for you saying they enjoy each other's company, I can assure you that axies are solitary animals and are not capable of "liking each others company and sticking together" and will live quite happily on their own.

 

[alamao]

they stick together they never seperate

 

[Kaysie]

I've kept 5 adult axolotls in a 4 foot tank long-term and had no issues (55 gallon, for you imperial folk!). As long as you maintain water quality and have adequate hides, this is fine.

I second Elena, most axies don't get 12 inches, but top out around 8 or 9.

But axolotls are not social. Just because they hang out in the same areas of the tank does not mean they're 'friends'. It means those areas of the tank are desirable, either for water quality, or hides, or for the view.

 

[xxianxx]

Got a new tank setup today. 4 foot, by 1.2 foot by 3 foor high. got 5, 8 inch axies in it.

A tank with these dimensions if filled to the brim is about 105 US gallons or 87 UK galls, more than adequate for five axolotls. Just in case anyone asks, axolotls dont drown in 3ft deep tanks nor do they suffer crush injuries from the water volume nor do they suffer from the bends.
Alamao, it will be a lot of work doing water changes on that tank , get it cycled and ram it full of plants they will help keep the water cleaner. Put some pics up when you are finished , they should be good, nice to see somebody investing in a tank which exceeds the recommended minimum water volume for an axolotl.

 

[alamao]

I am currently in the process of getting java moss.
Its cheap and easy and hardy and processes quickly

 

[Kaysie]

You'll want a good stool, and a long siphon! Or maybe some scuba gear. I can't imagine trying to siphon a tank that's 3 feet deep.