Axolotl bioload

Hi Guys,

I am buying my crystal red shrimp a chiller and I cannot afford a second chiller for when I get axies. I could include the axies in my CRS system because the chiller I am getting is rated for up to 400L. I'm worried that their bioload will be to much for the CRS though, they need very low nitrates >5ppm and dislike water changes unless you are very careful. My tanks will be very heavily planted so if they don't produce to much waste that will be taken up by the plants. I know axies dislike light so there tank will have no plants. Ok, enough rambling, I mainly want to know how much waste they produce over a period of a couple of months or so. I know that is a very open ended question but are there any guidlines?

I just thought I would add this in, I don't have a need to do water changes more than everyfew months even in my tanks with high bioloads becasue I have a high enough plant density to handle their waste, I'm not an irresponsible owner.

Matt

Don't do it!
Axies are messy enough for frequent water changes to be required even in a moderately planted tank there is just no way you can satisfy the needs of both within the same system. Even if the nitrate buildup wasn't the problem the axies waste make an absolute mess of the tank. Poop dust and the like everywhere which necessitates regular partial water changes as you clean out all the gunk.

Hubby keeps CRS & CBS and there is just no way they could run on the same system as my axies and both species here have seriously well planted tanks the touchy nature of CRS simply makes it impossible.
All that said I do have some Cherry Shrimp happily living and breeding IN the axie tank but they are far easier to care for than the Crystal reds.

Start saving for a 2nd chiller and maybe put off getting axies until you can afford it if you can.

also your axolotl might eat all the shrimp. Mine ate the 100+ cherry shrimp I threw in my tank over a month long period

Thanks Meredyth! That's exactly what I wanted to know! Axies are definatly on the back burner then, at least until Summer is over, wouldn't want anything living in discomfort. I don't think I'll be able to get a chiller for axies for while, being a student I don't earn much. Anyway, if I can afford a second chiller it will be for a new marine tank I didn't think the two would be compatable, just wanted to confirm that.

You've made my day Carson! Never in my wildest dreams would I put my CRS with a 'lotl. That would certainly be an expansive meal.

Sorry Sarah and Jacq! No axies for me until at least Autumn.

Not a problem at all Matt. It's a shame it wont work and you'll have to wait a while I hear you on the $'s though. Chillers are SO expensive.