Substrate question :)

[harry7890]

What is the best substrate for my 2 large axolotls :smile:

 

[tomkeogh]

Sand or Slate/tiles or glass bottom, Sand seems to be the favourite

 

[dragonlady]

Yeah, sand is definitely a favorite. If you go with sand, use play sand like for a child's sand box. Make sure to sift it through a screen to remove gravel and then rinse it out until you're sick of looking at it and then rinse it some more. Just make sure the water runs clear. Two of the favorite methods for cleaning are to either put it in a pillow case and put that under running water or put it in a bucket and shove a garden hose down in the middle of it - just make sure to stir it up to make sure you get out everything.

Tile looks really nice if you have access. I have read a few times out here about axolotls not liking to walk on a bare bottom.

 

[daniellog]

I made a mistake of buying sand from homebase (diy sand) which I can't really use, so i'm just gonna buy some of this stuff Buy Children's Play Sand 15kg Bag. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for ..

 

[melfly]

Thumbs up for argos play sand!

Mel

 

[daniellog]

Is that the exact same stuff you got Mel?

 

[Blaze]

I think sand is the most appealing to not only your eyes but also to your axolotls feet and your cleaning time. A turkey baster or siphon can simply be run over the topof the sand and it will pick up any mess.

To give you an idea, I put mine in a bucket and blasted it with a hose, then waited approximatly 5-10seconds and gentally poured out the water on top onto the garden. I did this about 25 times before it ran clear.

If you are starting from scratch on your tank put a plate on top of your sand which should not be more than 3-4cm deep (otherwise gas pockets can form),then pour the water over the plate. If you are just adding it to your tank and your filter has already been cycled make sure it is REALLY rinsed it as you don't want any particles wrecking your filter.

For my wide 3 foot tank I used approximatly 9kgs of childrens playsand.

Goodluck.
Blaze

 

[melfly]

Is that the exact same stuff you got Mel?

Yep, had to have it delivered tho....you've seen the size of my puny arms, there was no way i could carry it all the way home! lol!

I've got it in Dwarfy and the Fs tanks

Mel

 

[daniellog]

Lol, I was thinking if I could carry it up the huge hill I live. I'm gonna ask my dad if he can pick some up when he comes to pick one of my axies up.

 

[melfly]

Thats a good idea, 15kg is pretty heavy!
Especially if you have to go up a big hill.

You could sledge it up, or steal a shopping trolley!

Mel

 

[harry7890]

Sand or Slate/tiles or glass bottom, Sand seems to be the favourite

i was thinking about slate tiles but where do i get them from, i mean yes garden centers but they normally only do naff cheap ones and i would like nice cheap ones

I made a mistake of buying sand from homebase (diy sand) which I can't really use, so i'm just gonna buy some of this stuff Buy Children's Play Sand 15kg Bag. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for ..

oohh i have some of that wat was wrong with it, would silver sand be okai , and dosnt it hurt the axys if they injest it