Is a hang off filter okay?

[Nmshuhart]

I'm worried about using a hang on filter because I won't be able to fit a lid on my tank (not buying a hood as they don't like bright light anyway)... and I've heard axies can climb out!!! Help please. Note: The hang on back filter seemed like my best option since it has an adjustable flow rate. :happy:

 

[B3llaax3]

Axies very rarely jump out of the tank (at least mine don't) in the 6yrs keeping axies I've only had 1 jump out and that was due to water conditions being bad. But I would and should still have some type of lid on the tank just to prevent to from happening cause you never know when it can happen. you can get a hood for you tank, most of the hood light aren't too bright. They're tolerable, but if you feel it's too bright you can always put floating plants in the tank to cover the light along with hiding spots. You can always use a canister filter or a submersible filter depending on what size tank you have.

 

[michael]

Hoods are recommended but I never use them for axolotls. I agree that they won't jump with good water quality and husbandry techniques. I have dozens of axolotl tanks filled to the top and none have covers.

 

[Nmshuhart]

Maybe a hood thats left unplugged? xD Because there's the little spot for HOB filters where as there isn't a cut out in glass or screen lids... what other kind of lid can I use besides those? Makeshift lid?

 

[LitolAxolotl]

I have a commercially bought mesh lid and a hang off filter at the same time. I simply cut out a hole in the mesh wafor the filter to go in with wire cutters and put thin aquarium tubing with a slit cut along it over the sharp wire edges. I secure the tubing to the lid with bread ties so the tubing doesn't fall off. There's a bit of a gap between the end of the filter and the edge of the hole, so I put a bowl over it. It works pretty dang well.

 

[Hoagii]

I made a cover with some rabbit wire from a hardware store and cut a flap for my filter. I like having the mesh lid because I can use a fan with it when it gets hot.