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[roguemako]

I keep the following without filters:

Pachytriton labiatus
Cynops orientalis
Ambystoma mexicanum
Pleurodeles waltl

I do daily water changes with temperature appropriate aged water (to prevent exposure to chlorine)... should I do daily or 20% water changes? I heard that changing some of the water is best to prevent shock.

 

[Kaysie]

The best way to determine an appropriate water change regime is to test your water and change the needed amount when it's needed. That is, a lightly stocked and heavily planted tank might only need some water change once a month. But if your tanks are not cycled, you may have to change 20%or more a day.

 

[Azhael]

Also, the Pachytriton (which is likely to be P.granulosus ; P.labiatus is no longer valid, it´s actually a Paramesotriton) is a torrent species and should be provided with a current. If you don´t want to use a filter, at least use a powerhead to provide that current.

 

[roguemako]

I use an air pump to create a current - I would prefer to do a daily total water change just to make sure it is extremely clean....IF that is ok for them.

 

[Azhael]

Total water changes can be ok, but can also be trouble. A tank that receives total water changes will never fully cycle, and if left unchecked for longer than usual, it could very rapidly see spikes in the build up of nitrogen compounds, which can be lethal.
An airstone is not sufficient for Pachytriton. The extra oxygen is great, but it doesn´t provide enough current. The ideal set-up would be lots of rocks with crevices and holes and a moderate to strong current. They are stream dwellers.

 

[roguemako]

So total water changes are ok....IFALWAYS kept up?

Thanks for the info on the Pachytriton.

 

[Azhael]

Essentially, yes. They need to be done with sufficient frequency to avoid the build up (which can be really fast). The larger the volume, the more time you have.
However, a more stable schedule with a fully cycled tank and partial water changes is highly advisable, since it can cope much better and allows you a much greater leeway. Also, performing total water changes almost daily takes a loooot more time than a 20% water change once a week.

 

[roguemako]

Would a daily 20% change allow some cycling?

 

[Azhael]

Yes, it´s the recommended volume and schedule while a tank cycles. Once the process is completed, you can move to weekly water changes, or less often if you have plenty of plants.
How big are your tanks? Keep in mind the bare minimum volume of water even for a single newt is 10 gallons.

 

[roguemako]

I keep them each in their own 10 gallon tank. Due to this small volume of water, I thought total water changes might be better, though I would be happy to do a 20% daily water change.

 

[Azhael]

Well, it depends on the number of animals you have of each species.
The axolotls would be better in a larger tank, but even a 10 gallon shouldn´t require more than 20% daily water changes. The pleurodeles, pretty much the same.
The Pachytriton and the H.orientalis should do well in a 10 gallon. If you have more than one Pachytriton, though, then a 10 gallon is very insufficient.

I´d recommend reading the Caudata Culture articles (see my signature) about cycling, water quality, etc. Also, check the caresheet for those species.