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Axolotls are illegal in California. Please read this thread for detailed information and links to the actual laws: https://www.caudata.org/threads/axolotls-are-illegal-in-california-here-are-the-relevant-laws.30779/
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Should i remove my axolotl before removing sand to clean?
- Thread starter wang82
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Nano
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I would definitely move my axolotl to somewhere like a container full of water or a bucket because your axolotl may choke on the sand before it settles
natjobe
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Why are you removing all the sand to clean it? Most of your "cycle", or bio-filter, is in the substrate. Has the sand been in the tank a really long time? Is siphoning not enough? Maybe post a pic of your tank.
yellowpebble
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Hi!
There is a fair bit of bio medium in the substrate, but if your filter is adequately sized and cycled it shouldn't be a problem. One of the main advantages of sand is that you do not have to remove it and clean it like you would gravel. It does not have gaps in the substrate that poop can fall into or algae can grow on, all it requires is a good vacuuming with a siphon, gravel vacuum or turkey buster once in a while when the poop builds up on the surface. If the actual sand has changed colour that is normal and doesn't necessarily meant its dirty. Some of the components of the sand turn darker with time and the substances in the water, and a lot of it is actually good bacteria. It might require a little bit of a move around to avoid gas build up but apart from the occasional maintenance you should be fine without removing it, so you can just leave the axolotl in the tank while this is happening. It would be much less stressful for him/her.
good luck
There is a fair bit of bio medium in the substrate, but if your filter is adequately sized and cycled it shouldn't be a problem. One of the main advantages of sand is that you do not have to remove it and clean it like you would gravel. It does not have gaps in the substrate that poop can fall into or algae can grow on, all it requires is a good vacuuming with a siphon, gravel vacuum or turkey buster once in a while when the poop builds up on the surface. If the actual sand has changed colour that is normal and doesn't necessarily meant its dirty. Some of the components of the sand turn darker with time and the substances in the water, and a lot of it is actually good bacteria. It might require a little bit of a move around to avoid gas build up but apart from the occasional maintenance you should be fine without removing it, so you can just leave the axolotl in the tank while this is happening. It would be much less stressful for him/her.
good luck
Crysta
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If there's no reason to clean your sand (disease/wasn't cleaned properly at first/tank invaders) then I really wouldn't if I were you, as others have said your substrate is an important part of the environment your axolotl(s) live in.
Most recommend about an inch thick of sand on the bottom, to stop any gas buildup/nasty growing things. You can also 'stir' your sand to release any gas that may be trapped. There shouldn't be a reason to remove it - but if you do have one, now or in the future, I would say definitely remove your axolotl(s) first.
You can get fine aquarium sand at most pet stores/aquariums. Make sure you don't get the calcium type intended for reptiles though.
Most recommend about an inch thick of sand on the bottom, to stop any gas buildup/nasty growing things. You can also 'stir' your sand to release any gas that may be trapped. There shouldn't be a reason to remove it - but if you do have one, now or in the future, I would say definitely remove your axolotl(s) first.
You can get fine aquarium sand at most pet stores/aquariums. Make sure you don't get the calcium type intended for reptiles though.