My new tank setup, any comments?

[elcaptano]

Hello all, i've recently decided to keep axolotls and am cycling the tank just now.

as i'm new to axolotls i was wondering if anyone had any advice or comments about how i've got the tank set up.

there is 2-3cm of play sand as substrate with some aquatic pebbles at the front of the tank, i wasn't sure if this was too many but i like how it looks and thought it would give them a bit of variety.

there's also an artificial tree/bark tunnel and a plant pot for them to hide/shelter.

there are 6 live plants altogether, some twisted valance, hornwort, elodea, and two others i'm not sure of the names but the guy in the fish shop seemed to think they'd be ok, although i'm not sure how much he knew about axolotls.

the filter is a fluval 205 which i've got running through a home made spray bar.

like i say, any advice on the set up would be welcome, i'd like to have the tank looking as good as possible and the best possible conditions for when i eventually get my new pets.

 

[tomkeogh]

Looks really good, except I think those rocks are small enough for a adult axolotl to try and eat, I would see what other people say. Is that a real log?

 

[Shizeric]

I don't think those rocks are an issue, I don't believe any Axolotl could fit those in its mouth, but if you are even a tad bit unsure, just remove the smallest of them. The rocks will be a pain in the butt to clean, but if you think you can manage, then good luck! How many axies you plan on keeping in there?

As of right now, the tank looks magnificent.

 

[elcaptano]

hi tom, it's an artificial log that i got from the local aquarium shop, i pushed some of the rocks into the sand a bit so they might look smaller than they are but i'll take out the smallest ones to make sure.
hi eric, i'm planning on getting two. it's a 180 litre tank and been told this should be ample room for them.
i've also removed all of the bits of small gravel that were sitting on the sand, i never paid them any attention til i saw the photo!
thanks for the feedback!

 

[Quetzacoatl]

Great setup! I like it!

 

[melfly]

I agree with Tom, I would be wary of those stones.
Remember this

Mel

 

[elcaptano]

i've taken out the smaller rocks that were in the pictures, if anyone has any other comments let me know

 

[lea]

hi
i really like your set up.....im sure your new friends will as well

lea

 

[shoegal]

I agree with Tom, I would be wary of those stones.
Remember this

Mel

Mel- that thread about the swallowed stone is horrifying. : (

 

[melfly]

Mel- that thread about the swallowed stone is horrifying. : (

It just shows that they will try and fit anything in their mouths

Mel

 

[tomkeogh]

I think you have done a good job making it look natural, does look like the bed of a pond or river, can I ask the dimensions of the tank?

 

[Lacey]

It's looking great!
In my opinion, i don't think the stones are too much of a problem as long as you keep an eye on your new friend.
I also like you're plants.
Nice work and good luck

 

[melfly]

It's looking great!
In my opinion, i don't think the stones are too much of a problem as long as you keep an eye on your new friend.
I also like you're plants.
Nice work and good luck

Sorry but i have to disagree. As mentioned above they will try to fit anything in their mouth.
You cant watch an axolotl 24 hours a day, and because they are most active at night.....
Read the thread i linked.

Mel

 

[elcaptano]

thanks for all the comments everyone, like i said i've taken out all the smaller stones so the only ones left in it are about an inch in diameter, mel, the link you sent was helpful, i wouldn't like to do anything that would put them at risk.

tom, the tank is approx 36" x 16" x 20" (90cm x 40cm x 50cm) with a bow front. it hold 180 litres, theres probably about 160 l in it to allow the water coming out the spray bar to run down the glass to reduce any current.

 

[tomkeogh]

I have two in my aquarium it is very slightly larger than yours and I plan to add another.
Look forward to hearing how you do