Restarting

[xXNetRavenXx]

Okay so I just had a loss of a young axie due to stress, now I am getting back in the saddle again and getting two new ones from wards natural science (shipping soon so tomorrow or monday )

Sooo my old tank that I had my other axie in was a 20gal tank with sand substrate and some little tidbits (plant, hiding spot)

I wonder if I should just take the substrate out and use the bare floor? Also I have a small tank that I just bought for a fish we had that got moved from the big tank to make room for the axie.... That tank is pretty small (like 2gal) but it has a filter and is pretty decent, I wonder if that would be a better habitat for my future axoltols?



Cant wait till they get here

 

[slimer]

I would go with the 20 gallon tank . Becuase the 2 gal is to small, its ok for a baby axie , but it will quickly out grow it, exspecially if you plan on having more than one axolotl.

 

[xXNetRavenXx]

Well I suppose I just wonder about the sand, and also the fact that my last one died of the fungus.... I took him out and he was isolated in the fridge when he passed but what kinda precautions should I take to ensure the quality of the tank is suitable for my next guests?

Also I wonder if the sand substrate is good enough for lil axies? 1-2in, idk if they will eat it and mess up their digestive system? I was thinking about just taking it all out and super cleaning the tank then just having a bare floor...... ugh substrate is such a problem! well I pretty much want to just do it and get it out of the way before they get here so I dont stress them out when they settle into their new found homes.

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi Netraven,

I would go with the 20 gal tank for the axies. You can use the smaller 2gal tank for breeding feeder fish or to quarantine aquatic plants etc.

Sand is a suitable substrate. Ensure that the particle size is less than 2mm in diameter. The type of sand is also important. You can use freshwater aquarium sand, pool filter sand and children play pit sand. Steer clear from marine sand, reptile sand and such.

There is school of thought that a sand substrate reduces stress in axies by allowing them to have a surface to 'grip on' as well as reduce glare and reflection from lights that you get from a bare tank. However, the evidence is anecdotal. Axies can still thrive and breed happily in a bare bottomed tank. That advantage of a bare bottomed tank is mainly the ease of maintenance. Sand substrate does make the tank more attractive and allow you to plant aquatic plants. Sand should be able to pass through the alimentary tract of an axie uneventfully.

Preparations you can make in advance are to cycle your tank! You can also replenish your chemical filtration and unclog your mechanical filtration catridge. You can also do some 'interior designing' in advance of the axies' arrival. Have your hiding places and plants all set up nicely to welcome their arrival. It is also good practise to invest in a good tank thermometer and water test kit. You might like to have a little notebook to record down temperature and water parameter readings so you can start planning your management routine.

Regards.

 

[xXNetRavenXx]

Thanks Rayson!! That's good to know! I have been leaning towards the bare bottom as opposed to sand substrate (The sand in mine is marine sand EEEK!!)

Sounds like I got a project to do today!! thanks again!