Using Turkey Baster to Clean Tank

[melrose1414]

I currently have hatchlings and one baby axolotl that is probably two inches long. I use a turkey baster to clean the water for them, but I always seem to get this strange white type of film while using it to clean the water. I thought that maybe the one I was using needed to be replaced so I bought a new one, but the same thing happened. Does this happen to anyone else? Or does anyone one know why this is happening? Please let me know! It doesn't seem to do anything to the axolotls, and I always manage to get it out of the water, but it is just annoying and I was wondering if there is a way to prevent it!!

 

[auntiejude]

Re: Using Tukey Baster to Clean Tank

It's usually a protein film, made up of waste, cast off slime from their slime coat, dead skin cells etc. Perfectly normal in an unfiltered tank, nothing to do with your turkey baster!

I find it easier to pour all the babies and their old water through a net, and transfer the babies to a completely clean tub rather than try and change water in their own tub.

 

[melrose1414]

Re: Using Tukey Baster to Clean Tank

Thank you! I was just wondering if it was normal or not and I'm glad to hear it is!

 

[Eloesia]

Re: Using Tukey Baster to Clean Tank

When keeping them in a tank that has a ridge to hold a light/cover, would it be best to try to pour them into a net or try to catch them in a container like a cup and then move them? Would it still be acceptable to clean with a turkey baster and then replace about 1/4 to 1/2 of the water instead of moving the babies?

 

[Lexolotl]

Re: Using Tukey Baster to Clean Tank

Whenever I change the water for my larvae I do the same as AuntieJude.
I have an extra container that I fill with clean, treated water on the side. I then pour the old water out through a net, letting the larvae collect into the net and then put them into the container with new water. This allows me to rinse out the container that they were previously sitting in, along with wiping down the sides to get rid of any "slime" that might have built up, and let it air dry. I do this either every day or every other day.

I've been using this method since my first set of larvae without any issue.

 

[Lexolotl]

Re: Using Tukey Baster to Clean Tank

When keeping them in a tank that has a ridge to hold a light/cover, would it be best to try to pour them into a net or try to catch them in a container like a cup and then move them? Would it still be acceptable to clean with a turkey baster and then replace about 1/4 to 1/2 of the water instead of moving the babies?

I'm assuming that this is an unfiltered tank that you're keeping them in?