How often do you clean the tank?

[nina]

I have a very simple question but I can't find a very simple answer! How often do you need to clean the tank? I have a 10-gallon aquarium with a regular water-fall, out-the-side-of-the-tank filter. I have two axolotls in this tank. I have heard that I should syphon out waste (poo and uneaten food) with a turkey-bastor (not one I use with food!). I have also heard that I should change 20% of the water every week. But when (how often) and how should I do a complete, scrub-the-tank, wash-the-decor cleaning? What should I use that is an axie-safe cleaner?
Thanks!
gecko1

 

[kapo]

You should never do a complete scrub of the tank as this can cause your tank to re-cycle. Curious how long has your tank with axies been running? No need to wash the decor, turkey baste any muck either under or on it if able.

As for general cleaning, if your tank is cycled.

Turkey baster cleaning should be done on a daily basis, if need be/if you spot anything, otherwise just any uneaten food/waste that's been lying round for 30mins or more.

We do 20-30% waterchange once a week.

We clean the glass once every 3 weeks, using a magnet cleaner.

Our internal filters gets rinsed (not vigorously) in tank water once a month (not on same day as a waterchange)

If you think there's anything wrong with the water quality/tank; check the water parameters first for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to see if there's an issue there.

 

[nina]

Okay, thank you! Sorry for the dumb question.

My tank has been running since February. (Almost a year.) I have been doing water-changes, but not as frequently as once a week.

My concern was algae on the tank. I don't have a magnet-cleaner. I think this is the problem. I also know that sometimes Nitrate or the pH or something can promote algae?? I am really not an expert on pH and cleaning the tank. So confusing! I am going to learn how to use my pH and ammonia kits better. I have used them before but I am no good at reading them. Anyway, I will do a water-change, check the pH, ammonia and other water-level things (what do you call them? Parameters?) and I will get back to you!

Thanks!
-gecko1

P.S. Oh, I forgot - there is a complication. One of my axos has a fungus-like problem with his front leg. I put a dissolving fungus-clear tablet in the water, which turns the water bright green. The medicine is supposed to stay in the water for four days. Then I will change 25% of the water and add another tablet. When the fungus is cleared, should I leave the medicine in the water and do regular water-changes every week until the water turns a normal color? THANKS!

 

[cori]

Check the product doesn't contain Malachite green! It is actually toxic to axolotls and should be avoided.

You are much better of giving your axie salt baths and putting him/her in the fridge to treat fungus. Do a quick search and you will find plenty of instructions.

Hope that helps.

Regards Eastern_axle

 

[nina]

Hello again and thanks!

I have learned that the fungus-clear product does not contain Malachite green or any other axolotl-toxins; however, it does make the tank re-cycle so it's not good to use. I used the salt-bath and fridge technique, which worked like a gem! The fungus is gone and the limbs are re-growing! (Knock on wood.) Now the water quality is fine, too.

Thanks,
gecko1

 

[kaysie]

You have two adult axolotls in a 10 gallon tank? That's WAY too crowded!

You definitely need to get a bigger tank for them.

Also, treating the tank is never a good idea. It causes issues, and rarely fixes the problem. You're right to have done the salt bath and fridge treatment. Try to avoid tank treatments in the future.

 

[franksmum]

Hey, I'm also wanting to clean the glass of my tank, could I just use a sponge to gently wipe the dirty areas on the glass? Without chemicals ofcourse!

Thanks !

 

[LSuzuki]

Yes, that is what I do. I got a kind with a mesh wrapper - it does a good job getting slime off glass.

 

[Canecorsonewt]

I have used Japanese moss balls. Real ones not plastic to betta tank . Property depends on size tank and size of moss balls but i saw a big difference right away. I have them with my nuts and i havent cleaned the glass yet its been a month. I dont see any algae on the glass yet.