Lots of questions <IMG SRC="http://www.caudata.org/forum/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

I'm in the process of convincing my folks to let me have a 4 ft tank, as discussions are going well, i may have one by the end of the week. If i do get a new one, is there anything i should do before i fill it with water for the first time? It would be brand new from the store so do i need to clean it with anything (obviously not soap).

Also, i recently bought a fluval number 3 internal filter because my old filter died, would this be enough for the 4ft tank? The box says its ideal for 3 ft tanks. I cant really part with the money to get a canister filter because i only just got this filter not thinking i was going to get a bigger tank. If i do weekly water changes as well as having the filter that should be enough right?

Also, i'm thinking about using sand in this tank, my question is, how do u clean sand when its been in your tank for a while and the axolotl has made it dirty? I know with gravel you can use the gravel cleaner thing on the end of the siphon tube, but would sand be too small and get sucked up the tube?

Thanks
Emily

In a tank that big (in the 50-65 gallon range), it's best to have 2 filters to avoid dead spots (plus many are designed with support bars in the middle, not making a single filter easy to place).

Another idea is to use an additional air pump (or pumps), connect that to a splitter or valve control and get airstones, bubble wands, or sponge filters so you can cover more area. Certainly not as expensive as a fluval or other mechanical filter. Might be able to find one used at a thrift store or resale shop.

Sand will be heavy enough to separate from debris in a siphon.

Thanks for that, i'll go shopping today

dont have to siphon sand, pretty tricky but give it a stir up now and then to get rid of any dead spots. hovering the siphon just above the sand works well along with the spot clean with the turkey baster for any poops.

with your filters get around 3 times your tank per hour all up but make sure you can turn them down! also you will be able to use them for other tanks if you change setups later on.

if you dont wana buy another filter jinnys idea is a good one, filter one end air stone or two at the other.

I'm guessing sponge filter is like a corner filter? A plastice triangular type thing filled with filter wool with an airstone in it?

Could i buy a smaller filter say, a fluval 1 or 2 and use that at one end with my fluval 3 at the other end?

Thanks

A sponge filter is similar. Mine is a circle of sponge with an airtube coming out of it.

You could use another filter, just make sure you don't have a lot of water flow.

Ok, i have decided to spend the money on the canister filter, it seems easier and better.

A question about sand though, if i buy sand pit sand from a place that sells sand and dirt and mulch all out in the open is it ok to assume that washing it really well will be ok or do i still have to bake or boil it? I'm assuming buying it in bags is better and safer?

Thanks

We bought ours from landscaping place where they have it loose and in 25/30kg bags. WE bought it by the bag, washed it really well - didn't bother with baking or boiling. Has been in our tanks for few months now with no probs.

i washed mine really well and then baked it too (just in case!!!). mine was from a building place so i wasnt sure if any chemicals had got near it but its been fine.

bags would be alot safer IMO but they could still have been exposed to chemicals before packing, it just stops it getting nasties in it at the landscaping place. if you get sand thats 'out in the open' ask to get some of the sand from deeper down in the middle

I bought some sand today in a bag, I think the ppl at the landscaping place bag it up themselves. Anyway, I have washed it through twice but there are little bits of bark in it still so i guess i should spend some more time washing it. I got 30kg for $5. I thought that was a bargin!! (well for Adelaide anyway)

If i did want to bake it, what temp and how long should i have it in the oven for??

Thanks

i had mine in for a good 3 hours or so at 200C... mainly cause i forgot about it though was nice and dry hahahah!