Plastic Plants and Axolotls

[hannahlotl]

Hi all! I'm currently in the process of gathering everything I need to set up a tank for an axolotl. After visits to two pet stores, the plastic plants available feel, well, quite stiff and rough. I've read that axolotls have softer and more sensitive skin, so am I just being a worry wort or should I look for other alternatives (i.e. silk or live plants)?

 

[EmbryH]

I use plastic plants, but I try to use only ones that have rounded leaves as opposed to the pokey ones. My axolotls like to perch in those.

Here are some similar to the ones I use, and I haven't had any problems with them.

http://www.petworldshop.com/pictures/ambulia-plastic-plants.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rW17j16uL._SY300_.jpg

http://img.etobuy.biz/w13/x6/p23/wf87_1.jpg

 

[hannahlotl]

That makes sense. My future axie will appreciate it. Thank you very much!

 

[auntiejude]

I have both silk and plastic, both work. I very much doubt any plastic plant designed for an aquarium would be hard or sharp enough to injre an axie.
In fact all of mine like swimming across the spikey long grass I have, I think they use it to scratch or tickle their tummies!

 

[hannahlotl]

I suppose I just have a case of the soon-to-be axie mom jitters! Better safe than sorry though, especially with a living creature. That sounds absolutely adorable!

 

[evaamuir]

I have plastic plants in my tank and they get covered in algae very quickly! I regularly clean the plastic plants in my tank but I still have to buy new ones all the time because they just get so disgusting after a while

 

[EmbryH]

I have plastic plants in my tank and they get covered in algae very quickly! I regularly clean the plastic plants in my tank but I still have to buy new ones all the time because they just get so disgusting after a while

That's a little odd. Is your tank near a window?

 

[auntiejude]

I have plastic plants in my tank and they get covered in algae very quickly!

Have you checked your nitrate levels? Algae tends to bloom if you have high nitrates.

If iy's just a bit slimey thats normal, it's the bacteria that colonises your filter to break down waste.