New tank questions

[Jon7]

Hey all, have had tank running for couple days now, still piecing together final parts and had some questions!

1. Right now I have a power filter running, but I'm almost certain that it will be too strong of a flow for the axies (haven't gotten them yet, letting tank cycle) Thinking of switching to sponge filter, the air pump I have says its for "up to 25 gallons" my tank is a 30 gallon long, do you think it will still be okay to use with the sponge filter or no?

2. The axies I get will most likely still be juvies, at what size is it okay to add sand? I already bought some, the finest grain I could find

3. I want to make a hide/cave or two out of slate pieces, would it be okay to put them together with aquarium sealant? Or is that even necessary? I'm just a worrier, and wouldn't want them to fall, I'd of course make sure the sealant was fully cured before putting them in

Thats all I can think of at the moment, may have more later
Thanks!

 

[jhonny]

hello.

i'm new to axies as well, but i will do my best to help you out.
from what i read axies are very filthy creatures.. having a filter that doesnt even have the cappacity to filter the water in your tank, it does not sound like the best idea.
however, you can keep axies even without a filter. if you dont mind cleaning..
i do believe that which filter to use is entirely personally.. i kept my original tank filter.
and controlled the outflow with a piece of tubing i pierced with holes.
placed head down, so the end rests on the bottom of my tank.
using a sponge to disperse the flow will also work.

if there is one thing i learned from substrate is that its easy to get the wrong thing.
i spent allot of money on the wrong thing..
so, to keep it nice and easy i bought substrate they CANT swallow.
big slabs of slate stone are perfect, and gives a steady bottom to anchor plants!
but filth falls between them.. so cleaning is a must.
get a turkey baster, and make it your best friend.
if you cannot decide how to do it, just leave the floor blank.. its the failproof formula.

i have no experience with those things.. just bought my shelters for them at the aquarium shop
its the easy way. i am 100% sure the paint and plastic does not harm my water and axies
let me link you something, they do not talk about slate stones.
but it gives a good idea of what you can do if you want to get creative with shelters.
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f1173-.../63462-do-yourself-fake-wood-cheapskates.html
you could also just use an old flower pot as shelter.
low budget, and 100% failproof..

edit: by the way, i think aquarium sealant should do, if you let it dry out long enough
just dont know about the strenght of that material.. i guess you could, but it wouldnt be something i would try..

 

[iChris]

sounds like you're on the right track, in a tank that size you could keep upto 3 adult axies, but because you're a beginner, I'd start with one for now until your tank has been running for a while (about 3 months) and you get more confident in keeping axies.

sponge filters are great when matured, they provide fantastic biological filtration (which is most important of all) and airate the water. most keepers swear by them. keep in mind though they don't provide good mechanical filtration so you'll need to be doing regular spot cleans which is ok too.

you can use the power filter if you wish, perhaps you should try making a spray bar to attach to the outlet and direct it to the glass, or put some sponge over the outlet.

if you start with a juvenile axie, they eat alot and this means alot of s**t too. you may decide not to have a sub substrate at all, as some keepers do with young axies because it's just easier to keep clean. later down the track as they get older, they require less feeding (about 3 times a week) and so they pass waste less (probably maybe twice a week) and you may decide to add a substrate then. they will live very happily on the bare glass with a few hides. you can still make a very attractive tank without a substrate. check out this page Caudata Culture Articles - Setups, Aquatic particularly the second setup down to give you a idea. just not that gravel and stones or any objects that are smaller than your animal's head should not be used in the tank.

making your own hides is great because you can do it your way. just make sure the aquarium grade silicone you use will bond to rock.

 

[Jon7]

Thank you both for the responses! I decided to keep my filter for moneys sake, and got some sponges, which have really helped!