Shannon, I'm a bit confused. Of course I know that waterflow can stress them, but you're suggesting that a "cooling method" can decrease waterflow? You're saying that a fan blowing across the surface of the water will encourage evaporation and lower the temperature, but I don't see what that has to do with waterflow.
Thanks Velaria! I had two thoughts going at once and yes, I confused myself when I went back and read it over again!
I was trying to say that waterflow can stress them out - too fast, it's a bother to most axolotls. The other part was an attempt to address the concern about cooling methods stressing axies out. The two should not have been in the same sentence! Sorry to anyone else that may have confused!
The screen I mentioned was referring to a screened top - I keep my tops completely open but some others may live in households where this won't work.
As far as blocking the outflow (waterfall), many methods are used. Your method of having the tank completely full of course cuts down on the noise but if you are using, say a 20/30 gallon long or 40 gallon breeder with the lower sides, the force of the waterfall could still interfere with the inhabitants. You and I use 55s (unless you switched up on me
) where the depth is a bit more substantial. However, I don't keep my 55s completely full (about 3/4) because I am a shortie (5'3") and I am not fond of getting my arm wet completely to the shoulder to do tank maintenance!
I use artificial reptile vines to disperse the water flow and those work great for me! Others have used legos, blocks of wood, or even a soda bottle with the ends cut off and one side slit so that it can be fitted over the waterfall (jclee method).
I know exactly what you mean about the noise - I currently have 3 axolotl tanks in my LR and about to set up a 4th for Andersoni! lol
So glad to hear about your yellow water getting resolved!
As far as the glass, I recall seeing that at PetsMart. You could try to get a piece of plexiglass cut that may be a bit stronger or tempered glass.
Of course, you could just take my personal recommendation...get rid of the cats!! :crazy: