Questions about Sand

[suzie9mm]

I abologuise in advance if this question has already been answered previously. I've been browsing and I have yet to see ti anywhere.

My adult axolotl is in a 10 Gallon tank with Sand for subtrate. Has anyone raised babies from eggs in a sand tank? I'm worried they might ingest the sand as new borns causing problems... I'd like to hear from previous owners and what kind of subtrate they had when raising babies from the egg, also what kind of filter (if any) you had, maybe a sponge filter? Thanks!

 

[inkozana]

I talked to my local pet-store guy today, he breeds axolotls and he told me that all they really need is lots of area to swim around, not much water height-wise and I don't think they need substrate of any kind..

 

[Kaysie]

I've found that it's easiest to raise larvae in individual or small-group tubs (food storage tubs, think "gladware") with no substrate. It's easier to clean, easier to monitor feedings, easier to monitor pooping, etc.

As an addendum, a 10 gallon isn't really adequate for an adult.

 

[Daniel]

I do not use any substrate for larvae just for the reasons Kaysie told.
Tubs for raising larvae should be easy to clean as you will have to change part of the water (and any leftovers and feces) on a daily basis. Any substrate would rather be embarrassing.

I also do not use any kind of filter for the first weeks. Freshly hatched larvae fed on baby brineshrimp or micro daphnia and a filter might suck them up, fouling your water.

 

[suzie9mm]

Thanks

Thanks guys for your advice. It helps a lot! And just so you don't worry, my Axolotl's normally have a half filled 90 Gallon tank to swim around. I just wanted to seperate my female from the male for now. just got a devider and I'll be putting it up today. Thanks again!