Tank Setup pic

[muffywrx]

Hey everyone. I had this tank setup, and it went to room temp, about 72. I have a screen top and a small filter on it (that should be cycled already, but since I moved it, it may mini cycle). I also added 2 small fans on top of the screen, which have already lowered the water temp to 66 after a few hours. So I am happy about that... The tank is on the floor...

Any other cooling tips would be wonderful as it is about to get a lot hotter here in Nebraska.



The axi arrives Wednesday. It will be a GFP green axi.

Can I get a blacklight or will that heat the water? I can mount it pretty high if needed, as I have the tank under a desk and could mount it to the underside of the desk ...

Also would love some aquascaping ideas. I'm thinking sand ... pool filter sand? I need something that won't raise the pH. And some plants. But what kind??? I don't have any lights on this tank because of heat issues. I don't know of any plants that don't need light to grow ...

I also have some pothos in the tank ... trying out some plant filtration

 

[iChris]

sounds good so far, how big is that tank? it looks like it may be a tad small for a axie, keep that in mind.

you don't really need pool filter sand, washed play sand will be fine, but you can't have a too thick layer, as you'll risk gas bubbles forming that can be dangerous to your axie. or for ease of cleaning, you can even have no substrate at all. axies love hides, so have plenty of them too.

as for plants, pick ones that do well in cooler water and in low light, as axies don't like brightly lit tanks. plants like java fern and java moss do well in these conditions.

consider adding a piece of driftwood, the tannins are supposed to be good for a axie's skin and slime coat, and it looks good too.

as its a new tank, keep a close eye on water chemistry and continue your water changes religiously.

 

[muffywrx]

Thanks for the reply!

I wanted to do pool filter sand because of the gas issue, but only a thin layer. It isn't that much more expensive, is smaller grain, and is uniform in size. I don't like play sand not only because it come very dirty, but because I don't like the small pebbles and such.

As far as driftwood goes, I'm worried about sharp edges or points! But I'll try to find a good piece that isn't bad.

The tank is a 10gal, but its for a baby. I don't plan on it being permanent. It's also not a NEW tank, as I've had it set up, but I took out the ammonia sources. The filter was established. I only took it off a couple days ago, so I'm hoping the bacteria mostly survives without a source of ammonia for a few days. Either way, I'll be testing the water to make sure

Hoping some more ideas for aquascaping are out there

 

[muffywrx]

The axi arrived today and came with a bonus axi! They are soooo cute. I am in love! Many thanks to Jay sommers!

This is the tank (don't make fun, I'm girly I know, and thought these colors would go with the GFP theme )...

IMG_5640 by muffywrx, on Flickr
Here is the slightly smaller one...

IMG_5669 by muffywrx, on Flickr
And here is the slightly bigger one who seems a little more stressed out, poor little guy

IMG_5675 by muffywrx, on Flickr

 

[Erzs]

Very cute axolotls! You've already said the tank won't be permanent but I can't see any hides (I think I'm going blind so if they are there sorry!). I'd get a couple in asap, it might help your little stressed one settle down some more too.

Do they have names yet? =]

 

[iChris]

they are probably abit startled, but they calm down fast, but they look to be ok.

hides are a must, get some pvc pipe and cut it to size and sand the edges so they aren't sharp, they make great cheap hides, and the more the merrier!

 

[carsona246]

just wanted to say I love that your incorporation of pothos in your tank. That's a clever idea, what kind of box is that? I just got a window box and cut a hole in the side to stick my canister filter output inside of it, and stuck it on top. I'm having good luck with peace lilly too if your interested in trying another plant. I actually stuck a bunch of pothos and peace lilly in my ten gallon shrimp tank hob filter, and I'm getting no ammonia, and the tank hasn't even finished cycling, I'm liking the riparium plants as filtraiton more than aquatic.

 

[shells]

Oh I love peace lillies, have several in my garden. Im curious as I'd love to try, how do you go about incorporating these to your tank? It doesn't upset the chemistry or anything?? (sorry may sound like silly questions still relatively new to this, but learning fast :happy