New Axolotl-think he’s fine

[Lovaxo]

So we got an Axolotl last week. We got it before we had the tank setup and I was trying to take careful steps to getting it ready before we put him in there. My daughter was able to talk the husband into buying one and so far I think we are doing alright. He was just living in a cup with holes when we bought him so we ended up putting him in the tank without a filter. After three days I changed half of the water. He is swimming around and lively so I think he’s feeling good. I am wondering about starting a filter and changing this currrwnt environment and stressing him in any way. It’s just an aquarium filter with a sponge over the intake, which I was told would be fine. It has that waterfall feature which I thought I read could be too much current or movement for the Axolotl. He’s on sand. I saw him swallow some, but eeek. He still seems alright. I attached a video of him cause it’s adorable and I hope I could get some advice or feed back. He’s about 4months old.

 

[miola]

What a little cutie!
Do you mean a Hang On Back filter (HOB)? That is what I have and it works great. I have a Fluval AquaClear 10-30 gallon, for a 20 gallon long tank. It has a low flow setting. But even that setting seemed like a lot of current so I rigged up a baffle to break it up. I used a plastic water bottle, and figured out how poking around on YouTube. People also use sponges placed below the waterfall, or tall plants, or tank decorations, anything that will break up and disperse the current. Did you have an existing tank and filter set up already? Or is that a new purchase? If it is new, please read up on the nitrogen cycle and how to cycle a tank with an Axolotl in it.

Without a filter, you will be needing to do daily water changes, they produce a lot of waste. It's doable, but work. I think it is worth it to set up the filter. But if it is a new filter, you will still be changing out water every day to keep your ammonia and nitrite levels acceptable until your tank is cycled, meaning your bacteria colonies are set up and thriving and taking care of the ammonia and nitrite for you. (Please forgive me if I am repeating things you already know! But high ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels can cause harm or death.)

If you decide to use the HOB filter, you can watch for signs of stress (forward curling gills, food refusal), that may mean the current is too strong. I think lots of people on this site use fine sand to avoid impaction. I have bare bottom tanks because it is easier to clean, and my Axolotls are not stressed by that.

FYI a turkey baster works great for getting out uneaten food and all the poops. That helps keep ammonia down. & Axolotls need places to hide and cold water, water temperature is VERY important, so please read up on that. And most of them don't like bright light.
No eyelids. But with a hide, they have somewhere to go if they are bothered.
Best of luck to you, I'm glad your little Axolotl has found a home and is out of his/her pet store cup!

 

[Lovaxo]

Thank you so much. All of it was helpful. I have read about most of this stuff but I still don’t get it all and I appreciate hearing it again. I love this little guy so much and I hope to keep him so happy and healthy. I stay up late sometimes worried about what I can do for him.