Gravel

[bottbeck]

ok so in my other threads iv been told to get my normal fish tank gravel out of my tank and i plan to tomorrow but how should i do it?

my tank has been up and running for nilly 2 weeks and with my new axie in it so should i do a full water change and remove the gravel that way or should i try to take it out of the tank while the cycled water is still in there and place the larger rocks over the top untill next water change?

thnx for any hlp

 

[inkozana]

It depends what sort of substrate you are getting for them now.
If you're getting large, smooth stones make sure they are bigger than the axolotl's head. They are quite easy to put into the tank as they don't have much dirt on them.

Sand is probably the best substrate though, you can buy it from your local warehouse (bunnings or walmart) but you must clean it well before adding it to the tank, and it takes a while for the sand to settle.
If you're going to get sand I advise you to relocate your axolotl's temporarily while you put the sand into their permanent tank.

 

[Lisa]

You need to remove your axolotl to some dechlorinated water in a bucket that has been sitting next to your tank for an hour or so so it's the same temperature as the tank. Then remove all the gravel (which will make your water very cloudy) and add very well rinsed sand, to a depth of only 2-3 cm (to make cleaning easier). Your water will now be very cloudy indeed. I would turn off your filter while you do this.
Keep your axolotl in the bucket until the water clears. This may take a couple of days and if so, change the water for fresh dechlorinated water after 24 hours to avoid the ammonia level in the bucket becoming too high. I would turn the filter back on a couple of hours after adding the sand, at which time the larger particles should have settled and won't clog up your filter.
Use playsand or pool filter sand, not beach sand or coral sand.
Good luck and I hope this helps.