Sand substrate questions

[teadragon]

I'm not satisfied with having plain glass bottom to the tank. It doesn't look nice and the axies can't move very well on it. Thus, I'm looking at sand substrate. I've a few questions:

- Has anyone done the permanent sand substrate? If so, how does it look and how well does it work? Do you see any abrasions on your axolotls due to the rough, immobile sand (sandpaper effect)?

- I found sand today at Hobby Lobby, I think intended for kids making those bottles of colored sand layers. The sand I picked up is a light brown. When I tried to wash it, it took a while for the water to wet the sand--it would coat the top layer, but the sections underneath would stay dry for a while. Does this just mean that it needs to be washed more? Otherwise, it doesn't seem dirty. The water only got slightly cloudy.

- To those of you with loose sand as substrate: Do your axolotls eat the sand? Do you hand-feed or just drop food in? If they do eat the sand, do they somehow spit it back out or does it just pass through them? Have you ever heard of an axolotl getting sick from taking in sand with their food?


I'd appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks!

 

[MRIGUY]

I never used that technique to make a sand bottom but I have used it to cover accessory supports and struts for suspended paltforms etc. It works very well and looks surprisingly natural when wet and covered with the ususal stuff that grows over time.

 

[kclinton]

I havent done that eather. I wouldn't take the chance with that sand. If it is all man made it might be made with stuff that would hurt your axie. You can get play sand from a hard ware store. Lowes, Homedepot, Ace . Or pool filter sand. They also have black moon sand I got mine at Petsmart. Mine have been on sand all the time with ni problems.

 

[kapo]

I'd be a bit weary about using the hobby sand, in case it effected your tankwater or axolotl. You can get coloured sand that some owners specifically buy that are geared for aquariums.

As for permanent sand substrate, it does work very well. Easy to feed, clean, maintain and looks good. Food doesn't get caught in substrate, like it does in sand/gravel/rocks which can lead to water quality problems.

Loose sand is in most of our tanks and we have one bare floor tank (looks bare but like permanent sand substrate works well for feeding, cleaning and maintenance - we've had two axolotls on bare tank floor and they don't have any problem with walking). Yes axolotls will suck in the sand while they're snuffling and eating but it does pass through them, whereas gravel on the other hand takes months to come out and can cause severe blockages leading to prolapses. Loose sand needs to be regularly stirred (weekly/fortnightly) with siphon/turkey baster to ensure there are no pockets of gas that can build up, it will also stir up any uneaten food/waste that will get hidden within substrate and can cause water quality problems if not regularly done.

 

[teadragon]

Okay, found better sand at a pet store, washed sand, and it's now in the tank. How long do you usually let it settle before you put the axolotls and filter in?

I have a siphon as well as a turkey baster. From what I've heard, the siphon is still usable on the sand, just a bit more difficult to keep from getting sand sucked up. Any tips?

Thanks for your help, all.

 

[kclinton]

If you suck the sand up in the siphon tap it on the glass it will back down pretty easy.