Just got an axie!

skelly98 · May 31, 2013

Alright, so i got an axie. It was kind of a impulse buy, but i have plenty of knowledge and all the equipment already, so i set up a tank and got my axie.

Now, just one question...

can anyone recommend a filter? I know from before hand knowledge that a filter is not absolutely necessary, but i know i don't always have time to change the water (very busy lately with exams and such), but i also know that axies do not like a lot of flow.

The tank is a half-filled twenty gallon long, but i can fill it up all the way if the filter requires it. I would prefer a in-tank filter for both easiness and less noise, but i don't really know what to look for, other than low, spread-out flow.

it ate fine and is acting like a normal axie, so i'm not too worried. Just want to cut down on maintenance a little...

skelly98 · May 31, 2013

I also have pictures of him, if anyone wants them.

gwenlynn · May 31, 2013

A lot of people recommend sponge filters for their axie tanks. I haven't used one but they are highly recommended as they don't create a lot of flow. I personally use a tetra whisper and an aquaclear hob filter on my tanks only because I already had them. My axis do fine with those.

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gwenlynn · May 31, 2013

And pics are always encouraged

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hannahll · May 31, 2013

Axolotls are quite messy creatures and create a lot of waste. I would recommend you get a filter. In my 30 gallon axie tank, i have both a sponge filter and a hang on the back filter. My sponge filter is nice because it collects good bacteria and my axolotls like the bubbles. As far as hang on the back filters, I like the tetra whisper filters. The filter is simple, cheap, and it works. With a hang on the back filter, you may want to fill the tank 3/4 of the way.
Also, i hope you had your tank cycled before your impulse buy because your water parameters are going to be crazy for the next month or two. If that's the case, make sure you're testing the water regularly.

skelly98 · May 31, 2013

I do have a fully cycled aquarium i can use for seeding, plus a test kit and detoxifiers if it needs it.

The aquarium just came out of being medicated for ulcers, however, so i am just going to use detoxifiers and lots of water changes for now, until the aquarium is done cycling.

(note: the detoxifiers just detoxify, not remove, so it will be useful: no toxic effects on the axie, as i have used it on fish and it works amazing, and food for the bacteria. I will be monitoring closely for the next couple of weeks, however, for signs of stress caused by the waste chemicals)

Quentari · May 31, 2013

Well I have a sponge filter in my 2ft (currently cycling) and in my 3ft I have a high powered fully submerged filter with a large rock in front to stop any flow. Seriously I think it was made for like one of those 6ft tanks or something the output is REALLY strong i actually had to upgrade the size of the rock i put in front of it :/ lol

skelly98 · May 31, 2013

My new axolotl + tiger sal update - YouTube

Here we go, a video...

So, sponge filter, anything else i should get? Plants, decorations, anything? i want to give this guy a good habitat.

rdoyle225 · Jun 1, 2013

I love prime. It is the only thing I use for my fish aquarium.

skelly98 · Jun 1, 2013

rdoyle225 said:
I love prime. It is the only thing I use for my fish aquarium.

Agreed. Best water conditioner ever.

On a side note, do axolotls like hides and decorations in their aquariums, or should i leave it bare? I was never able to find much information on this, so i'm a bit lost as for what to do.

auntiejude · Jun 1, 2013

skelly98 said:
do axolotls like hides and decorations in their aquariums, or should i leave it bare? I was never able to find much information on this, so i'm a bit lost as for what to do.

Axies love hides, plants, rocks, air bubbles, things stuck to the sides of tanks, chasing magnetic algae cleaners, moss balls - anything to crawl under or over, or behind!
I have 3 plastic plants, 2 fake 'root' hides, 4 moss balls, a slate propped up on a rock, a resin skull, and siliconed-down sand on the bottom.

knyptozoologist · Jun 1, 2013

You should take a look at the HUGE thread of tank pictures. That's where I went to for ideas about how I wanted to decorate my tank

http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...ate/75076-please-post-pictures-your-tank.html

skelly98 · Jun 1, 2013

For Caudata.org - YouTube

Here we go, added some Decor. King seems to like it, he is moving around and exploring now.

hannahll · Jun 1, 2013

I still recommend a hang on the back filter.. they do wonders.

10fenny · Jun 2, 2013

ok no ones gonna ask? alright i will. why no stand? just havnt gotten around to it?

skelly98 · Jun 2, 2013

I have no stand because stands are expensive, and not really particularly useful except for viewing purposes, not to mention that we might be moving soon (i'm 14), and may not even have to keep the axie in that room eventually, anyways. The tank, however, is permanent, so if i did get a stand it would be for a twenty long. i used to keep some fish in there on a coffe table, but as the fish were short lived (although well taken care of by me and my family), the coffe table is now being used somwhere too hot for the axie during the summer. Either way, it will remain standless until either the summer is over or we move.

TL;DR we might be moving and every possible stand is already used in a place too hot, and a stand would just be more money i could be spending or saving on, say, pet supplies or pets (i', also have a small collection of snakes and lizards).

FX1C · Jun 2, 2013

worst camera work ever!
(It was like watch Blair Witch lol)
Pics are so much better

Firstly I would add more water - the larger the body of water the easier to control & the toxins won't spike so easily.

Please make water changes a priority - it doesn't take much time & it's better than using detoxifiers unnecessary chemicals are best avoided! Even with exams etc it doesn't take much to maintain a tank... If it does you shouldn't have gotten the new pet!

As for filters internal filters will add heat to the water so the hang in hob style are very good & you can use a shower puff / rocks / plants to dissipate the outflow. You could add a sponge filter as well as they are good for oxygenating the water enough & removing large floaty particles.. Mine seem to like pooping on the sponge filters so they get quite filthy fast & I have to give them squeeze outs each week with water changes.

Has your lotl got a name yet?

<3 >o_o< <3

skelly98 · Jun 2, 2013

Nikki71 said:
worst camera work ever!
(It was like watch Blair Witch lol)
Pics are so much better

Firstly I would add more water - the larger the body of water the easier to control & the toxins won't spike so easily.

Please make water changes a priority - it doesn't take much time & it's better than using detoxifiers unnecessary chemicals are best avoided! Even with exams etc it doesn't take much to maintain a tank... If it does you shouldn't have gotten the new pet!

As for filters internal filters will add heat to the water so the hang in hob style are very good & you can use a shower puff / rocks / plants to dissipate the outflow. You could add a sponge filter as well as they are good for oxygenating the water enough & removing large floaty particles.. Mine seem to like pooping on the sponge filters so they get quite filthy fast & I have to give them squeeze outs each week with water changes.

I'd also take some pics now, but he's hiding, and i don't want to disturb him... maybe if he comes out i will, though.

Has your lotl got a name yet?

<3 >o_o< <3

Yep, his name is king! and i do know i probably could have waited a little longer, but with murphy's law and supply and demand, i probably would have been waiting a few months, axies are hard to find around here... Will add more water now. As for the detox, i am not using it as a replacement for water changes, but as a tool to make cycling a easier on the lotl. i will still be monitoring for water chemistry changes and for signs of ammonia/nitirite/nitrate poisoning, but the detox will make cycling a lot easier on the little guy.

skelly98 · Jun 2, 2013

skelly98 said:
Yep, his name is king! and i do know i probably could have waited a little longer, but with murphy's law and supply and demand, i probably would have been waiting a few months, axies are hard to find around here... Will add more water now. As for the detox, i am not using it as a replacement for water changes, but as a tool to make cycling a easier on the lotl. i will still be monitoring for water chemistry changes and for signs of ammonia/nitirite/nitrate poisoning, but the detox will make cycling a lot easier on the little guy.

I'm trying to attatch pics, hopefully it will work.

10fenny · Jun 2, 2013

well i think ive bought one stand in my life. but it was part of a tank stand combo. my ten gal sits on an old school wood radio from what looks like the 40's. 4 ft high with the big tubes in the back. i dont know if you guys have a craigs list up there, but free is always a good price. a semi sturdy dresser would hold a 20 long. i just couldnt stand bein on my knees all the time to do work on it. plus ide prolly end up dropping my cell phone or wrench in it. (full time mechanic)

Just got an axie!

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