Housing my juveniles

DeCypher · Jan 30, 2011

I apologize for making so many threads today, but I feel this one is necessary.

I was thinking about putting my 2 two-inch Axolotls in a plastic tub, instead of their giant 20-gallon tank. It's very hard to maintain this tank right now, because they eat so much. I am also notorious for overfeeding

Is it okay if I put the two in a plastic tub with daily 100% water changes, or should I just keep them in the tank?

~One of the reasons why I thought this is because I don't know how the water quality is in the tank yet. They are showing signs of stress, and I believe water quality is the primary factor.

Greatwtehunter · Feb 1, 2011

Plastic tubs are definitely the way to go with juvenile axolotls. It is so much easier to monitor their feedings and do water changes. I house mine in plastic tubs till they are about 4 inches in size then they are upgraded to a 10 gallon tank.

DeCypher · Feb 1, 2011

Will it be stressful on them if I make 100% water changes every day (and have to pick them up with a net every day)?

Rhysmachine101 · Feb 1, 2011

I wouldn't think that 100% water changes would be necessary maybe just 50% every second day with spot cleans in between- I am not entirely sure on this, but it seems sensible to keep some of your cycled water in there.
Experiment for a couple of days and see how the water parameters go.

If you don't have some testing kits already you should see about getting some as soon as you can (they can be pricey, I know)- they really are invaluable.

DeCypher · Feb 1, 2011

Should I put in a space to hide, or can I just leave the tub totally bare?

Rhysmachine101 · Feb 1, 2011

I think bare would be fine. I've seen plenty of people do it.
But I don't see how having some places to calm the temptation of feeding off each other could hurt.

Greatwtehunter · Feb 1, 2011

Psychopathic963 said:
Will it be stressful on them if I make 100% water changes every day (and have to pick them up with a net every day)?

With the smaller plastic containers you will need to do water changes every other day or so, therefore picking them up with a net is one of those you can't really get around. Look at it this way, it is better to have an axie stressed (if at all) for a few minutes than sitting in harmful water for however many hours.

Should I put in a space to hide, or can I just leave the tub totally bare?

It won't hurt to put something for them to hide in or under. I like to float plastic plants.

DeCypher · Feb 1, 2011

The only container I have available is about 7.5 inches long x 4.5 inches wide x 5 inches tall. Is this okay to house 2 juveniles until they reach 4 inches?

Kaysie · Feb 1, 2011

Not both in one tub. And it's a little small for one. Why do you need to house them in that until they're 4 inches long?

DeCypher · Feb 1, 2011

It's a real pain to keep them in a 20-gallong aquarium. They eat so much, and I am notorious for overfeeding. It's messing up the water quality, and they both have forward-curled gills. The leucistic one also hasn't eaten since yesterday morning. He/she is too busy hiding inside an Anacharis plant.

animalloversfb · Feb 1, 2011

You can get some larger tupperware containers that are good for raising them separately and pretty cheap. The plastic bottom will allow them a little more grip, while being easier to spot clean. I agree that you shouldn't need to do 100% water changes daily, but you can suck up some of the water with a turkey baster(along with the poop) and continue to top off with clean water. You could also have a system of several containers and setting up a new, clean one, then quickly moving them over into that with a smaller container, net, etc., so that they're stress is minimized. I would get some pvc pipe cut(any lowes/home depot will do it for you) or some other type of hide as constant exposure can be stressful.

Kaysie · Feb 1, 2011

They should be switching to earthworm chunks before too long. I switched all mine around 3 inches. That will eliminate the overfeeding issue.

DeCypher · Feb 1, 2011

How would that eliminate the issue?

I am sorry for asking so many questions, I am quite new to Axolotls.

Kaysie · Feb 1, 2011

You just feed them as much as they'll eat in 15 minutes. Then you remove any uneaten food.

DeCypher · Feb 1, 2011

Okay. I will probably just keep them in the tank they are in now, with more frequent water changes (unless the water chemistry gets really bad). Thank you all for the help and advice!

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