Replacing Substrate

[MichaelWB]

Hi guys,

I haven't posted here in a while, which in a way is good because it means that I haven't had any problems with my axolotl. She's grown up a bit now, puts a smile on my face and is still the only female in the world who will let me buy her dinner.

ANYWAY.

I've been using a very fine sand as the substrate for my tank. It's very light in colour and wonderful for spotting any dirt on the tank floor. I recommend it thoroughly. Sadly, it takes a very skilled person to remove dirt without removing sand. As the months have gone by I'm finding my tank has less and less sand in it.

So my question is; What's the best way of "topping up" my substrate? Factoring in, the litres and litres of water and my little darling. I'm sure I could figure out a few ways of doing this (I am a reasonably intelligent human being, I think!) but there's probably a very simple and easy and effective way. Just wondering what you guys would do or suggest?

Many thanks,

Michael

 

[Greatwtehunter]

When I'm ready to add more sand I just take a bucket of well rinsed sand and slowly add it to the water by the handful. You'll want to make sure your hand is in the water before you release the sand or you'll end up with a face full of water. After the sand has settled I give all the plants a gentle shake to clean them off.

 

[MereB]

Easiest and cleanest way I've found is to wash the sand in a bucket like you normally would then add it using a smaller container.

Fill the smaller container/cup/drinking glass with the sand so it's almost full (1-2cm from the top) and carefully and slowly lower the whole thing (bottom first) into the water and let the water gently run over the top and into the container till it's full of water and sand then gently lower it to the bottom of your tank and tip it out where you want it. You can take a cup of water out when you're done tipping to make space for the next cup of sand.

You'll get less sand floating in the water making it cloudy than if you tip it from the top of the water which will mean you spend less time dusting it off your plants and decorations and it will take less time for the water to clear again. After some practice I can now get mine topped up with almost none going astray. Takes a bit longer but is worth the effort in the end. :happy:

 

[MichaelWB]

I apologise for bumping this but I forgot to thank everyone for their input which is frightfully rude.

Thanks guys

 

[ZoeT94]

When removing poops and dead matter, I use a seive. I does sometimes cause my axie's to get covered in sand, but they don't mind :wacko: