Gravel is Wrong so lets make it clear!

[xxvickyxx]

Hi, I was just thinking about how many times I have seen posts conserning the use/misuse of using gravel in axolotl set ups.
And remembered that on the axolotl.org page under housing it shows a set up that has GRAVEL as substrate, isnt this a little dangerous as it may just cause more incorrect set ups.
What does everyone think? Can it be changed?

 

[John]

Firstly, and it's getting old, this should be in the axolotl section. I've moved it and left a temporary link.

Regarding the setup on axolotl.org, correct me if I'm wrong but I seem to recall that the author uses gravel that's more like pebbles and too large to swallow?

 

[John]

And while we're on the topic, gravel isn't wrong. You just have to be sensible with your choice of gravel size.

 

[naymo]

I have gravel, im not allowed to change substrate..
But im careful.
Some people have circumstance where they dont have a choice.

 

[jay_coward]

I have gravel and my axie doesn't eat the gravel. He sometimes gets a mouthfull but spits it all out. Usually

 

[John]

Jay - try keeping him in a bare tank for a week and see if he produces any surprise pieces of gravel.

 

[Jennewt]

Jay - this sounds risky to me. I've heard of people removing their axolotl to a bare tank, like John suggested, and the animal is still pooping out bits of gravel months later. The gravel usually goes through their digestive system, but sometimes causes blockage, and sometimes it goes through very slowly.

Regarding the housing section of axolotl.org, it might help to make the words of warning a bit stronger regarding the inadvisability of typical aquarium gravel. And maybe change the suggestion of "sand" to "fine sand" because a lot of people use the word "sand" to mean aquarium gravel.

 

[John]

Changes made.

 

[kapo]

Jay, our 4 x 4year olds had also been on gravel and pebbles (different owners) and handfed. Previous owners didn't believe their axies had ever swallowed the gravel or pebbles. Ours pooed out gravel and pebbles over a 16month period. Our newest edition, has also been pooing pieces of 2.5mm-1cm gravel over the past month since we've had her.

Regardless of you being careful, they will always invariably snuffle around substrate of any sort sniffing out prospective food (usually when we tend to sleep!)

 

[Bellabelloo]

I think common sense should come into this topic. Mine are on sand , and when I first had them they deposited vivid blue gravel for a number of weeks..still get some once in a blue moon.....but.....I suspect in their natural enviroment they would pick up small stones/gravel etc while feeding, and could it be possible that it may be usefull for digesting some food( like some birds and even fish etc)? I think the issue here is wether we want to willingly put our loved pets in the position of having to pass what appears to be rather large non smooth objects!..I certainly don't want to witness such an event.