Substrate for tinies

bugdozer · Jan 5, 2014

I have some axolotls that are just crossing the line from larvae/tadpole to juvenile, with all legs, and will soon be going to new homes. I'm aware that larger axolotls will ingest gravel if it's too small, causing problems, so sand is a recommended substrate.
However, when the axies are still just a couple of inches long, might the issue of scale be a problem with sand? The grains are small, but the axies are too! If a juvenile ingests sand does it cause problems? Am I better off keeping the tank floor bare until they reach a certain size?

EmbryH · Jan 5, 2014

I prefer to keep juveniles on a bare glass bottom. You're right; sand can impact smaller axolotls much easier. When I got my juvenile last year, I kept her on glass until she was at least 5-6 inches long, and I intend to do the same with the hatchlings I'm raising now.

It also depends on how you choose to feed them. My juvie Misha was fed on pellets when she was smaller, which was another reason to keep her on glass, as the pellets sank and she had to eat them from the bottom. Once she moved up to earthworms, I knew it'd be safe to switch her to sand.

Basically, if they're tiny and/or feeding off the bottom of the tank, just keep it bare with no substrate. It's the safest way.

Dipsy66 · Jan 5, 2014

bugdozer said:
I have some axolotls that are just crossing the line from larvae/tadpole to juvenile, with all legs, and will soon be going to new homes. I'm aware that larger axolotls will ingest gravel if it's too small, causing problems, so sand is a recommended substrate.
However, when the axies are still just a couple of inches long, might the issue of scale be a problem with sand? The grains are small, but the axies are too! If a juvenile ingests sand does it cause problems? Am I better off keeping the tank floor bare until they reach a certain size?

Thanks for posting this, I hadn't thought about that with my babies...will ensure I keep them on just glass until they are much much bigger.

This forum is great....every day a school day....and I'm learning ALL the time. :happy:

layna · Jan 7, 2014

Hey

Unless you have a bare bottomed tank, axies should never be fed off the floor, even when adults.
They should either have a feeding dish, be fed from tongs or be fed by hand

Doing this also encourages them not to 'search' the ground for food which could lead to them ingesting sand.

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