Dark coloured sand?

beans · Oct 30, 2016

I'm setting up my tank and planning on getting a Leucistic Axolotl!
So i thought darker sand would be better to see it with, but i have wanted to have white sand aswell so i'm not sure what would be better.

anyway i have the Tahitian moon sand and read that its probably too rough for them.

can someone give me a list of good sands to use please!
i also live in australia if that helps.
(i've used sand before for goldfish and i know how messy it can be but i don't like the look of barebottom)

I dont like the look of playsand colour i would prefer black,grey or white. i have been searching for days but cant find anything!

Wysper · Oct 31, 2016

From what I have read, an axolotl will sometimes slightly change color to blend more into their surroundings. Example: A dark wild type axolotl will slowly become lighter if placed on a white/light substrate. Or a dirty luecistic will develop more pronounced markings, and sometimes new ones when placed on a darker substrate.

The substrate you use is entirely up to you. They don't care, or require it.

I have seen people use slate tiles in the bottom of their tanks when they don't want to use a substrate, but don't want it to be the clear color either.

Other options are putting a backing on the bottom of the tank (not in the water, underneath) so there is a color there.

Felixtacat · Nov 26, 2016

My leucistic is on black sand and I think the contrast looks really nice. I used National Geographic black aquarium sand but I'm not sure if you can find it in Australia.

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Holly12 · Nov 26, 2016

I had my leucistic on black sand and it was too rough and wore the skin away from his toes so the bones are exposed. I changed to a super soft white sand that is safe for fresh water stingrays (since they burrow) so I know it's soft. He's in the process of healing.
Turns out, my black sand was crushed obsidian. It actually hurt my hands scooping it out of the tank. His new sand is so so soooooooo soft now.

AxolotlChris · Nov 28, 2016

Tahitian Moon sand is not safe for Axolotls, it is shardy and very course and can damage Axolotls internally. Read this thread: http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-beginner-newt-salamander-axolotl-help-topics/f48-axolotls-ambystoma-mexicanum/f59-axolotl-tank-set-ups-filters-substrate/80274-warning-about-tahitian-moon-sand.html

Fine sand is ideal, good for the toes and doesn't clog the digestive system if ingested. I have never heard of Axolotls changing in colour based on their surroundings, only that the skin pigment can change from high exposure to light.

White sand will allow you to see dirt and debris easily, and generally makes a tank brighter. I would go with white sand. Be sure to rinse the sand thoroughly before use otherwise the tank water could be very cloudy from all the dust and dirt that is mixed in the sand. I poured all my sand into a pillow case and ran water through it for about 45 mins until the water coming out the bottom of the pillow case was running clear.

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Dark coloured sand?

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