Turtle pebbles?

[Gizmo0103]

I've never had a problem with using substrate that's comparable in size to turtle pebbles, but last week I lost my oldest albino axolotl because he ingested several of the rocks..

I have two younger ones at the moment in that particular tank still, and I'm concerned they might ingest them eventually too (once they get bigger)... I like having a substrate because of the aesthetics, but I am wondering if I should try to take them out now.

Was this just a fluke, or should I take them out? Also what are good substrates to use, if any?

 

[Kaini]

You should definitely take out the substrate. If you're weighing your aesthetic taste against the health of your animals, how is that even a question?

Here's a lovely X-ray I recently saw on tumblr: https://31.media.tumblr.com/a21f20d3ae8673c869f73d6a4b61985b/tumblr_n03sc50Lr31r5kqeyo1_500.jpg

The ONLY substrate suitable for Axolotls is fine grain aquarium/play sand (and you still shouldn't feed them directly on the sand because they can ingest too much) OR rocks/slate that is bigger than their head. And when I say bigger than their head I mean it, you'd be surprised at what they can swallow, see X-ray.


So yea if you're even a little worried you should take it out. I actually really like having a bare-bottom tank, despite it not looking as good - no chance of my lil guy swallowing anything he shouldn't and it's easier to clean.