What is your favorite substrate to use and why?

[Dan & Heathar]

When I originally brought home my axolotls, I was told that I could use sand, that it would be better than normal gravel. I ended up buying play sand from the local Home Depot and rinsed it thoroughly before putting it into the tank. The sand ended up darkening quite a bit in the water and I wasn't really pleased with the results. I decided I wanted to try out a new substrate, so here I am with the following question...


What is your favorite substrate to use and why?

Also- would river rocks from Hobby Lobby (rinsed off) still have chemicals on them that would kill the axolotls?

[tusken raider]

I have black Tahitian moon sand with larger sized white river stones and it works really well for me and never had any issues. Although i know there is a large thread lurking around about why not to use that sand.

Rinsing the stones would be fine

Try to get something which is opposite to your axolotls colour that will make it stand out and look more vibrant

[Jan]

Please review this article Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Substrates from Caudata Culture that outlines acceptable substrates for aquatic set-ups.

[Michael Shrom]

My favorite substrate is water.