Perocore
New member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2013
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
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- Location
- New York
- Country
- United States
- Display Name
- Milo
I've always loved newts, salamander, frogs, and toads, but have never actually owned any. Well, I have a tank who's only occupant is a Whisker Shrimp who is soon to be moved into a different (smaller) tank. So, naturally, I started looking for something new to put in the tank, and stumbled upon Axolotls! I looked at some pictures, saw that little smile, and just couldn't say 'no' to getting one.
I've done a lot of research already, so I know they prefer cooler water (luckily we recently cleaned out our basement, which stays about 68 F year round), need a gentle filter (I have a gentle one that has an adjustable flow), tend to uproot live plants, and eat things such as earth worms and blackworms.
However, there is something I am very confused on...the substrate! I read on one website that a bare bottom is fine, but I never can stand to put any animal on plastic (not even my feeder crickets). I know gravel is dangerous, so I wanted to know if aquarium sand is a safe alternative.
Next question- plants. What sort of fake plants are safe for these little guys? I figure silk plants are safe, but is plastic also alright, or is their skin too sensitive?
And a few more questions! Do different variations (colors) get along just fine? Are axolotls more content when they have another axolotl with them? And what else can they eat as a staple?
Sorry about all of the questions, but I want to do my research before acquiring one (or more) of these little salamanders. I've done searches but run into some conflicting information, so just wanted to get it straight.
Thanks,
Milo
I've done a lot of research already, so I know they prefer cooler water (luckily we recently cleaned out our basement, which stays about 68 F year round), need a gentle filter (I have a gentle one that has an adjustable flow), tend to uproot live plants, and eat things such as earth worms and blackworms.
However, there is something I am very confused on...the substrate! I read on one website that a bare bottom is fine, but I never can stand to put any animal on plastic (not even my feeder crickets). I know gravel is dangerous, so I wanted to know if aquarium sand is a safe alternative.
Next question- plants. What sort of fake plants are safe for these little guys? I figure silk plants are safe, but is plastic also alright, or is their skin too sensitive?
And a few more questions! Do different variations (colors) get along just fine? Are axolotls more content when they have another axolotl with them? And what else can they eat as a staple?
Sorry about all of the questions, but I want to do my research before acquiring one (or more) of these little salamanders. I've done searches but run into some conflicting information, so just wanted to get it straight.
Thanks,
Milo