Are pebbles uncomfortable??

Hi all,

I was wondering about the type of substrate to use in my tank... Ive attached 2 pictures. The first is the current set up of my tank.
I read that you shouldn't use gravel, because the axolotls can swallow it, and they can become stressed in a bare bottom tank because they can't hold on to anything. So... i bought large pebbles and you can see in the second picture how big the pebbles are compared to my juvenile axies (they deffinately won't fit those babies in their mouths!).
My axolotls try to bury their heads under the large pebbles alot (i worry that there might be a cave-in one day and theyll get squished), and food tends to fall between the cracks, which makes it really hard to keep the tank clean!!

Getting to the point... do you think the pebbles are alright, or do you think it is uncomfortable for the Axies to lay on? I was thinking of replacing it with sand.... is this any easier to clean? and wont the axolotls swallow the sand aswell??

I would really appreciate any advice you can give as i am new to keeping axoltls and very eager to get i right.

Much love,

I have river rocks about that size as well. But the actual substrate is sand. Most people will probably say sand or bare bottom are the easiest and best. I think bare bottom is less of an issue if there are scattered rocks and such, and you seem to have plenty. It would be easiest just to take some out so they aren't everywhere and none are really overlapping.
Very pretty axies ;]

Hi Ashli,

I have no substrate and no related stress issues with my axolotls, other than small gravel it really is a preference thing.

I don't think pebbles are uncomfortable i just think sand is more pleasant in many respects! such as too look at in the tank and whist eating!