Best way to clean tank?

So my little sand filter tube thingy doesn't work all that well In my 10 gallon. There is starting to get really messy in my tank. I suck out the poop w/ a turkey Baster every other day, but tht only helps so much. Can I take the sand out and clean it that way or?

I use a siphon/gravel cleaner to clean my tank. It would suck some sand out of the tank but if you're careful not too much. I have a bare bottom tank so I'm not sure if it's best to remove the axies while cleaning with sand as it might irritate their eyes. Most likely someone with substrate experience will be along shortly!

Gravel cleaner all the way!

Once a week I'll do a quick skim of the surface of the sand to remove any bits, then one a fortnight (or three weeks) I'll do a more thorough clean...
I usually move the ornaments from one side of the tanks to the other, then gently scoot the axolotls over that side. They'll usually explore a little while I am cleaning the empty side.

I'll usually start by skimming the surface of the sand with the gravel cleaner, which sucks up the poop and debris, then give it all a good dig in with the cleaner to move the sand about a bit. Once one side is done I swap the ornaments over and repeat. Then I'll clean the other tanks and come back and do one last skim once stuff has settled. You do end up with sand in the bucket, but that can easily go back into the tank.

The only one in the slightest disturbed by cleaning is my wild, he doesn't like it one bit! The others just explore and try and get in my way.

Taking the sand out sounds like a big old hassle!

What's the tube thingy you're using at the mo?

The siphon is what I meant by tube thing! I couldn't think of the word. For some reason mine really doesn't work a that well or I don't really know how to use it

You basically stick the large end of the siphon in the tank water. Then you suck on the other end of the siphon and it should start vacuuming the water out of the tank so be quick putting it in the bucket, unless you want to taste your axie water. Also, the bucket should be lower than the tank, gravity always helps

Some have a hand pump, I've never used one of those but you put the siphon in the tank and move it up and down and squeeze the pump. Much less tastier that way though

layna said:

I just use a turkey baster, if you put it under the sand and squeeze, it pushes up and poop ect then it all settles on top of the sand and i just suck it up. I also do this to stop gas pockets forming

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After reading this i went and got my self a turkey baster, and i have to say its amazing ive already used it within an hour of obtaining it lol. Thanks

Your tank must be higher than your bucket in order for a siphon to work well.

And if you're using a syphon tube I'd recommend putting the whole thing in the water, wide end first narrow end last, to fill it, and then put your thumb over the narrow end to seal it and carefully pull it out and down into the bucket before taking your thumb off and releasing the flow of water. Much more hygienic (but less tasty!)

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wandering said:

And if you're using a syphon tube I'd recommend putting the whole thing in the water, wide end first narrow end last, to fill it, and then put your thumb over the narrow end to seal it and carefully pull it out and down into the bucket before taking your thumb off and releasing the flow of water. Much more hygienic (but less tasty!)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

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Oooh I'm going to try this today, thanks.

Ive also noticed they like to snap at the baster if they get close enough

LJay said:

After reading this i went and got my self a turkey baster, and i have to say its amazing ive already used it within an hour of obtaining it lol. Thanks

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I don't know where I'd be without my turkey baster lol. I would go as far as to say it's the most useful tool you could have if you own an axolotl.