My tank set-up.

[inkozana]

This is the tank that I have set up for Lance. It houses only one small axoltol male.
The substrate is fine gravel/large smoothed pebbles and the plants are fake :hat:

Is this okay for him? Should I add some more things and if so, what?

 

[ianclick]

Hi inkozana,

Your setup looks like it is heading in the right direction. Your tank size looks good.

You could introduce some more plants and hiding places. The gravel substrate looks about the right size to cause your axie problems. A substrate needs to be large enough not to be ingested or small enough to pass easily like sand.

Good Luck

 

[Jacquie]

Hi Inkozana,

I would definately replace that gravel as previously suggested.

In looking at the picture I also note your tank appears to be half full or half empty depending on your point of view

Have you considered filling it up? My axies love to show off in deep water. This would also more importantly help in dilluting ammonia and other nasties. If filling, I'd leave about an inch clearance between the water surface and the lid just in case your axie 'needs to gulp'.

Just a thought.

Cheers J.

 

[inkozana]

I thought keeping the water half way was a good thing?
The gravel is really small ): I thought it would be okay.. I unno, I will try and get some smaller stuff- he has no problem with it at the moment though.

 

[Jacquie]

I think full has more advantages - such as dilluting ammonia, keeps water cooler, gives axie more room to move about and I think it is more aesthetically pleasing

Half full is fine though - your set up is lovely.

The problem with gravel of any size is that when axies snuffle through the substrate looking for more food they will often either mistake gravel for food or suck it up along with real food. Small gravel is the most likely type of gravel to be 'sucked into the axies mouth' as the axie snaps and draws the food in. If swallowed, gravel is very hard for the axie to pass and obstruction can lead to death. Sand passes through very easily.

Gravel is an acceptable substrate only if it is bigger than the axies mouth and cant be swallowed. Sand is really the best substrate - being much easier to clean than gravel.
Bare bottom tank is even better - but not very aesthetically pleasing in my view!