gravel isnt good is it?

[robbie257]

ok so in my tank at the moment, i have pebbles, small stones, gravel if you like.

the people at the aquarium suggested it.

So far none of my axies have swallowed or ingested any of them, ive heard that you can use sand, i would prefer to use this, as i believe

1. it looks better
2. its safer

but i am unsure as to what i need to clean the sand and where i would get it from, and also if theres any particular type of sand i would need to use.

If anyone could help me out i would really appreciate it =]

 

[madeve]

I believe pool filter sand and children's playsand are your two best options.
I'm not sure where in Australia you can buy those but in the states Wal-Mart or most hardware stores carry them.
As far as cleaning your sand you just need to rinse with water until it's clear.

 

[Saspotato]

Robbie, you can buy sand from hardware stores like Bunnings. I just picked the generic bag of it and have had no hassles. You will need to clean it well though. So basically that involves putting the sand in a bucket and swirling it around in water until the water goes clear (so you will need to empty the water and replace it many times). Keep doing a few more washes after the water goes clear as it is really hard to get clean. Your tank may go a little cloudy at the start so keep the filter on and it should settle.

Basically you need to avoid things like marine sand from aquariums. But yea, gravel and axolotls do not mix so you are right in replacing it.

 

[robbie257]

Robbie, you can buy sand from hardware stores like Bunnings. I just picked the generic bag of it and have had no hassles. You will need to clean it well though. So basically that involves putting the sand in a bucket and swirling it around in water until the water goes clear (so you will need to empty the water and replace it many times). Keep doing a few more washes after the water goes clear as it is really hard to get clean. Your tank may go a little cloudy at the start so keep the filter on and it should settle.

Basically you need to avoid things like marine sand from aquariums. But yea, gravel and axolotls do not mix so you are right in replacing it.

when i do weekly water changes... how would i go about cleaning the sand then? do i need to buy a special pump or anything?, or do i have to take out the sand each time?

 

[madeve]

As long as you spot clean any waste and uneaten food daily you shouldn't need to really clean the sand that often.

 

[robbie257]

As long as you spot clean any waste and uneaten food daily you shouldn't need to really clean the sand that often.

what do u mean by spot clean... if i see something and just pick it out?

 

[madeve]

yep most people swear by a turkey baster to suck up waste