Question: Planning for Future Axolotls: Wanna help me?

[Arianah19]

Morning!

I've been wanting an axolotl for years, and finally feel it is within my budget to be able to afford and care for one (or two!) (;

I'm hoping you guys could give me some insight and/or general directions as to some of the questions I have? I have a 50gal tank (I would say its roughly 3-4 ft x 18 inches x 19 inches) that I am planning to use, along with aquarium sand and (hopefully) live plants. I have ideas for hides and such, but I just have some general questions.

I've done a good amount of research, and have a few general questions:

1. I would truly appreciate a complete list of things that I will need. I plan to acquire all materials and supplies over the next few months, well before I actually get an axolotl. What type of water testing supplies am I looking for? Lighting brands/types? etc. For example, with a 50 gallon tank, assuming that I would want a canister filter, can someone please recommend any brands, types, specifications? What do I need to make sure everything runs smoothly?

2. Truly, what are the "safe" and "danger" temperatures for an axie? I have read that they tolerate anywhere from the low 60's to low 70's. Is this accurate? I live in Florida, and during the hottest days it can get into the 90's, sometimes close to 100 degrees. Is an aquarium chiller absolutely necessary, provided that any lights I would put into the tank would be LED (hopefully not giving off any heat) and in the coolest part of the house?

3. Wanting to incorporate live plants into my setup, is there anything I should look out for? What type of plants would you recommend? Will they need any special temperatures or lighting requirements? etc.

4. How long is the cycling process exactly? What does this accomplish? How long should I cycle the tank before introducing my new friend? How do I know that it is safe? What are the numbers for water testing that I should be looking for? Literature that I have read seems a bit confusing, so a detailed explanation would be amazing.

5. Is there anything else that I should know? Any tips, tricks, or advice?


The whole point of me posting in this forum is to gather information so that I can plan accordingly. So, to those of you that have made it to the end of this post, thank you! I appreciate your time and thoughts.:happy:


-Ariana

 

[AxolotlChris]

Here's a small list of the main things you should need:

1. Dechlorinator - A good brand like Tetra or Fluval which remove chlorine chloramines and metal toxins Water Conditioner | A8342 | Water Care | Fluval

2. Filter - There a number of filter types, each are beneficial to different types of amphibians. You need to consider which type of filter will benefit the large volume of water your tank holds to provide optimal filtration. The cost can be quite high for some, like the 'canister filter', these seem to be one of the best for larger tanks but take up more space (usually requiring a cabinet) and require tubes to go into the tank. I myself use a cheaper option, a submersible Fluval U2 for my smaller tanks without issue but since you have a 50 gallon tank the Fluval U4 would be better suited. Read more on different filter types here: Caudata Culture Articles - Filters Axolotls - Housing in Captivity

3.Substrate - Aquarium sand should be okay as long as it is fine sand with no gravel or stones mixed in. Gravel can be swallowed which could cause issues in the digestive tract such as impaction. Make sure to rinse your sand thoroughly, this way you will remove any dirt and dust which will cloud your tank. I use an old pillow case which I fill with he sand then rinse continuously with water from a hose pipe, mixing the sand as I go until the water exiting the bottom of the pillow case runs clear. Also make sure your sand layer is no more than 3cm thick otherwise it tends to create a build up of anaerobic decay creating gas bubbles and bacteria. You can mix your sand from time to time to help prevent this. Read this article for more information on substrates: Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Substrates

3. Ornaments/Hides/Plants - Axolotls like coverage and places to hide, plants and hides are great to create security for your Axolotl as well as creating an appealing tank through aqua-scaping. You can purchase 'hollow logs' and other aquarium ornaments which will function as hides and decoration. You can also use rock such as slate to crate platforms and caves, terracotta plant pots work well too. Due to Axolotls not liking a lot of light your limited to certain types of plants, these are just some of which don't require too much light: Chain sword, Java fern, java moss, Anubias nana. If using a light then you could use a low light source like a 40W fluorescent aquarium bulb, this will promote photosynthesis. LED lights can be very expensive and you will need the correct light spectrum for the plant to imitate day light. You can put your light on a timer so it is active for certain hours of the day. I don't know a lot on lighting and plants so hopefully someone else can give further information. Red this article for ideas of aquatic setups: Caudata Culture Articles - Setups, Aquatic

4. Temperature - A thermometer is needed to monitor your water temperature, you can buy submersibles or digital. Water temperature should be between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, anything higher than 24 degrees C for too many days will cause stress and allow disease. You can purchase a chiller to provide optimum temperature if your climate is very hot. There no use taking any chance with your precious Axolotls!

5. Tools of the trade - There are many tools you can use to aid you in the care of your Axolotls. Turkey basters are great for sucking up left over food or Axolotl waste. Plastic syringes are good for clearing up food and waste when your Axolotl is quarantined or if you are looking after larvae/juveniles http://vapemix.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10ml-plastic-syringe.jpg.
Siphons are a good way to remove water and any waste from your tank, I use the Fluval Edge II - EDGE Gravel Cleaner | 11057 | Maintenance | Fluval.
Also long forceps (tweezers) are great for hand feeding - http://www.tgauge.com/shopimages/products/normal/Plastic%20Tweezers.JPG
Plastic tubs/containers always come in hand when quarantining or for housing live food temporarily.

As for cycling, you will need a test kit to monitor your nitrogen cycle, because you have to check for levels of Ammonia, Nitrites, and NitrAtes. A lot of users on this forum use and recommend this test kit including myself: Welcome to API Fishcare: FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT These liquid test kits are far more reliable that the test strip versions.

The cycling process can take from 3-6 weeks. For your tank to be cycled, a beneficial bacteria needs to be present to break down the Ammonia and Nitrites into Nitrates. Ammonia and Nitrites are lethal to Axolotl and are produced from your Axolotls waste and decomposing food. Nitrates are a less toxic by product. During cycling the beneficial bacteria will colonize your tanks surfaces such as substrate, ornaments, filter, and begin to feed on the Ammonia turning it into Nitrites, then bacteria will break down the Nitrites into Nitrates. The bacteria is known as a biofilter, as it filters the ammonia and nitrites into less harmful nitrates.

Read these links on the cycling process and for the kind of results you will be looking for in your tests: Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling
How to Cycle a Fish Tank It can be quite hard to get to grips with the cycling process but stick at it and ask any questions you need.

Covered as much as I can think for now

 

[Arianah19]

Here's a small list of the main things you should need:

1. Dechlorinator - A good brand like Tetra or Fluval which remove chlorine chloramines and metal toxins Water Conditioner | A8342 | Water Care | Fluval

2. Filter - There a number of filter types, each are beneficial to different types of amphibians. You need to consider which type of filter will benefit the large volume of water your tank holds to provide optimal filtration. The cost can be quite high for some, like the 'canister filter', these seem to be one of the best for larger tanks but take up more space (usually requiring a cabinet) and require tubes to go into the tank. I myself use a cheaper option, a submersible Fluval U2 for my smaller tanks without issue but since you have a 50 gallon tank the Fluval U4 would be better suited. Read more on different filter types here: Caudata Culture Articles - Filters Axolotls - Housing in Captivity

3.Substrate - Aquarium sand should be okay as long as it is fine sand with no gravel or stones mixed in. Gravel can be swallowed which could cause issues in the digestive tract such as impaction. Make sure to rinse your sand thoroughly, this way you will remove any dirt and dust which will cloud your tank. I use an old pillow case which I fill with he sand then rinse continuously with water from a hose pipe, mixing the sand as I go until the water exiting the bottom of the pillow case runs clear. Also make sure your sand layer is no more than 3cm thick otherwise it tends to create a build up of anaerobic decay creating gas bubbles and bacteria. You can mix your sand from time to time to help prevent this. Read this article for more information on substrates: Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Substrates

3. Ornaments/Hides/Plants - Axolotls like coverage and places to hide, plants and hides are great to create security for your Axolotl as well as creating an appealing tank through aqua-scaping. You can purchase 'hollow logs' and other aquarium ornaments which will function as hides and decoration. You can also use rock such as slate to crate platforms and caves, terracotta plant pots work well too. Due to Axolotls not liking a lot of light your limited to certain types of plants, these are just some of which don't require too much light: Chain sword, Java fern, java moss, Anubias nana. If using a light then you could use a low light source like a 40W fluorescent aquarium bulb, this will promote photosynthesis. LED lights can be very expensive and you will need the correct light spectrum for the plant to imitate day light. You can put your light on a timer so it is active for certain hours of the day. I don't know a lot on lighting and plants so hopefully someone else can give further information. Red this article for ideas of aquatic setups: Caudata Culture Articles - Setups, Aquatic

4. Temperature - A thermometer is needed to monitor your water temperature, you can buy submersibles or digital. Water temperature should be between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, anything higher than 24 degrees C for too many days will cause stress and allow disease. You can purchase a chiller to provide optimum temperature if your climate is very hot. There no use taking any chance with your precious Axolotls!

5. Tools of the trade - There are many tools you can use to aid you in the care of your Axolotls. Turkey basters are great for sucking up left over food or Axolotl waste. Plastic syringes are good for clearing up food and waste when your Axolotl is quarantined or if you are looking after larvae/juveniles http://vapemix.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10ml-plastic-syringe.jpg.
Siphons are a good way to remove water and any waste from your tank, I use the Fluval Edge II - EDGE Gravel Cleaner | 11057 | Maintenance | Fluval.
Also long forceps (tweezers) are great for hand feeding - http://www.tgauge.com/shopimages/products/normal/Plastic Tweezers.JPG
Plastic tubs/containers always come in hand when quarantining or for housing live food temporarily.

As for cycling, you will need a test kit to monitor your nitrogen cycle, because you have to check for levels of Ammonia, Nitrites, and NitrAtes. A lot of users on this forum use and recommend this test kit including myself: Welcome to API Fishcare: FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT These liquid test kits are far more reliable that the test strip versions.

The cycling process can take from 3-6 weeks. For your tank to be cycled, a beneficial bacteria needs to be present to break down the Ammonia and Nitrites into Nitrates. Ammonia and Nitrites are lethal to Axolotl and are produced from your Axolotls waste and decomposing food. Nitrates are a less toxic by product. During cycling the beneficial bacteria will colonize your tanks surfaces such as substrate, ornaments, filter, and begin to feed on the Ammonia turning it into Nitrites, then bacteria will break down the Nitrites into Nitrates. The bacteria is known as a biofilter, as it filters the ammonia and nitrites into less harmful nitrates.

Read these links on the cycling process and for the kind of results you will be looking for in your tests: Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling
How to Cycle a Fish Tank It can be quite hard to get to grips with the cycling process but stick at it and ask any questions you need.

Covered as much as I can think for now

This is a great place to start. Thanks so much!

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[NaterPotater]

It's hard to get the water TOO cold (as long as it's indoors), but it's easy to let it get too warm. They are fine in water in the 50's-60's F, they'll just be a little more sluggish if it's in the 50's or lower. I've heard/read that they'll be ok with really cold water as long as it isn't cold enough to freeze basically. 63-66 degrees is kind of ideal though, where they're healthy and their metabolism doesn't slow down enough that they don't want to move around much. I do not have an aquarium chiller and I don't plan on ever getting one if I can help it. It helps that currently it's winter time and it was already getting chilly outside when I got my guys (I live in St. Louis where the winters are cold and the summers are hot). I keep my tank in the basement where it's easier for it to stay cool. Right now the water stays around 63 or 64 degrees with nothing but a hang-on power filter (flow interrupted by a sponge) and a bubbler. I have a screen lid and no light, so that helps a lot too. When the weather warms up a lot, I may have to have a fan blowing on the surface of the water, but I've read that that can be really effective. In Florida, you MAY need a chiller, but there are multiple work-arounds for those that don't want to dish out so much money for a chiller. Fans, water coolers, semi-elaborate refrigerator chiller situations. People are able to MacGyver lots of different set-ups for pretty cheap. 70 degrees Fahrenheit is too warm. Up into the 70's can kill them, but, like I said, they can tolerate pretty cold water. Err on the side of too cold rather than too warm. If it takes a chiller, it takes a chiller. What I did before I got my axolotls was get my tank running and see how cold it would be naturally and determine what steps I would need to keep it cool. I bought one of those aquarium cooling fans on Amazon that generally got good reviews, but when it arrived I found out that I could barely feel the airflow when I had it pointing at my face, so I sent it back for a refund (and then found out I didn't need it anyway, at least not during the winter). I'll use a regular desk fan probably if I need one in the summer.

That was a lot of gabbing about the temperate, but it's one of the most important differences compared to just taking care of fish, and it's one of the biggest impediments to being able to keep axolotls healthy (and alive).

 

[Arianah19]

Thank you! I was hoping not to need one. I'm wondering if a glass lid on the tank is even necessary? I was planning on led lights (the cheaper ones) so they're not heating the water at all. But they all seem to clip onto open lid tanks. I wish they made acrylic hoods with led lights. Can they jump?

With fans, the moving water won't disturb them right? I read that water flow in the tank causes stress.

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[AxolotlChris]

Get a mesh lid or some kind of lid which allows air flow, it will keep your water cooler by not trapping heat

 

[Bette]

Great advice given, guys! :happy:

 

[Arianah19]

Just wanted to provide a quick update on tank progress:

I have begun to set up my tank, and can't wait to start cycling and getting things going.

Just a few pictures of what's going on:

Tank setup as of right now. Nothing too special. Just super excited!!!

I had an idea to use the height of my tank to incorporate makeshift shelves, so the axies could do more than just run around on the bottom.

I got a regular plastic soap dish from walmart with suction cups included (bottom left side of the tank) put some mesh netting on the bottom (to attach java moss to when I begin cycling), and used aquarium silicone on the suction cups to secure it in place. I'm hoping this will work as a nifty little bed/resting place.

The removable plastic "shelves" I attached to the back of the aquarium using command mini hooks and aquarium silicone. The actual shelves are just pencil trays and some (safe and well cleaned!) plastic tray things I picked up at Goodwill. I plan to cover these with glued-on rocks or java moss. I haven't decided.

Lastly, I want this to be a bit of a planted tank, so I decided to do a java moss wall in addition to the live plants I will have in my substrate.
In theory, I can make this work with the shelves by cutting small holes in the "wall" where the command hooks are in the tank.

I really want the moss wall and plants to be well established before purchasing axolotls, but
I am so excited to get this up and running!! I'm a few months off from getting them, and though it may be a while, I can have a bit of fun aquascaping and making sure everything works and is safe. I can't wait!

The purpose of this reply was to thank all of you for helping me! This forum is awesome and the best source of information and inspiration I could ask for. You guys rock!
Thank you all for giving me the knowledge and inspiration to get started ♡♡♡

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[Chevybabe1961]

Oh my gosh! I love love love that idea of the Axie shelves, I have all sorts of flat rocks in my Axie tank and my guy (Murky) loves to climb around on them and then jump and float down to the floor of the tank. BUT I just may steal your idea Please post pics when you get your new little friends!

 

[NaterPotater]

I have an axolotl shelf in my tank, but they hardly ever use it (probably because they can't see if very well). It's transparent, and I've thought about putting something on the floor of it to make it visible, but I don't want to weigh it down at all. It is pretty stinkin cute when I DO happen to see one of them up on it though.

 

[Arianah19]

I have an axolotl shelf in my tank, but they hardly ever use it (probably because they can't see if very well). It's transparent, and I've thought about putting something on the floor of it to make it visible, but I don't want to weigh it down at all. It is pretty stinkin cute when I DO happen to see one of them up on it though.

I'm hoping they'll use them! I decided to silicone large flat river rocks onto the shelves, and I got gravel glued down really well in the interspaces so no axie feet get stuck. I've noticed that my shelves are heavy also, almost too much for the hooks but still somewhat sturdy (damn...). I was worried about them potentially falling. To solve this issue, I've measured the distance from the bottom of the tank to the inside ceiling of the shelf, and plan to use PVC pipe from the floor of the aquarium up to support it in the middle of the shelf. I'm capping the 3/4 inch pipe I'm using with PVC caps on each end, and drilling a hole in each cap so I can stuff suction cups into them. The idea is that the suction cups will hold the shelves in place at the top and bottom, provide support, and also be removable. I'm gonna drill small holes into the length of the pipes as well to provide for water flow and I'm thinking of tying Java moss to them and praying they grow so they wont be so ugly looking.

Hope it works!

Oh my gosh! I love love love that idea of the Axie shelves, I have all sorts of flat rocks in my Axie tank and my guy (Murky) loves to climb around on them and then jump and float down to the floor of the tank. BUT I just may steal your idea Please post pics when you get your new little friends!

If you decide to do this, it is a hell of an undertaking! Definitely not as simple as I thought it would be. Good luck if you try! I've run into a few snags here and there, but I hope it will be worth it I'll definitely post pictures!

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