Question: Larvae and a holiday

[danchristopher]

I can't believe I only just thought about this.

I have to go away from noon Friday until Sunday afternoon for a wedding this weekend and have no idea what I am going to do with my axolotl larvae - they are about an inch and growing front limbs. I rarely ever go on holidays so when deciding to keep some of my eggs and raise them I didn't really consider this, but now I'm not sure what to do.

If there are few in large containers, will the water quality be fine for the two days? As for food, the only thing I can get to keep with them would be blackworms which would survive in the water, would this be suitable or would they just add to the bioload of the container and foul it up quicker?

Or do I attempt something ridiculous and try to take them with me. I imagine the 4-hour car journey would stress them out more though...
I guess the other option is to get someone to come and change the water for me? Though that might be a challenge.

 

[swimupstream]

How bizarre... I'm in almost the same situation!

A family wedding 8 hours drive away in the school hols - planned for months, accommodation booked, kids excited... and now the eggs! Have a guess when they're due to hatch?

I'm considering cooling the tank down to prolong the process, but then again while I'm away for 5 days, no-one can keep the tank cool for me...

Life is not always convenient, *(&(@^$)*&$^)@(*^)(% :bowl:

 

[danchristopher]

Haha, funny! Yeah, unfortunately my father has to choose now to get married, heh.

If you put the eggs in the fridge it will slow the development process. If you do a search you can find info about fridging eggs, I think they have to be past a certain development stage but they should be fine and it will take them a lot longer to hatch.

I didn't think about that though - could I fridge larvae? I couldn't really find any info on it, I can't imagine it'd be good for them.... but is it possible? O_O

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Just feed them, then do a water change before you leave. The larvae will be just fine for 2 days. I've left mine alone for 6 days twice before and besides them being hungry, they were just fine.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

I'm considering cooling the tank down to prolong the process, but then again while I'm away for 5 days, no-one can keep the tank cool for me...

I wouldn't worry about this. The larvae usually don't eat for quite a few days after hatching anyways. So enjoy your holidays!

 

[swimupstream]

Wow, I feel so much better suddenly! I'll cool the tank till we leave, and then not worry about a thing...

Thank you :happy: