Lino/Vinyl Aquarium Flooring

NadeZ

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I have recently purchased a 2x1x1ft tank and will be moving my adult axolotl into it in the next few weeks. I have some sand but I am looking for an alternative substrate as I feel that the sand would hinder the removal of waste and lead to faster water fouling.
Large stones will be equally annoying to clean and gravel has the high impaction risk.
I notice that some people have used slate (or other) tiles as a better and aesthetically pleasing alternative to a bare bottom tank.
Beyond this I have found relatively cheap cuts of vinyl flooring in various designs that would look good in tank, provide a grippy surface, and be simple to clean. Here as an example of what I would purchase:
DIY Luxury Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles - Very High Quality : Gerflor Design | eBay
My question is this: Would this contain any chemicals that might put my axolotl at risk, and has anyone done this before?
 
Lino would not be suitable - it is likely to leach nasty chemcials. Look what it's made from: Linoleum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
And the glue would not be suitable for an aquarium.

If you want something thats easy to maintain but looks pretty you could silicone sand down to the bottom of the tank or make a false bottom on acrylic plates and silicone down rock, gravel or sand. People have also found astroturf works if you want something different.
 
I agree, vinyl flooring is too risky regarding chemicals. Sand might actually work better than you imagine. Leftover food and fresh waste sit on top of it for easy removal with a basting bulb. For less-frequent cleanings, a gravel-washing siphon attachment works well.
 
I'd really recommend slate! That's what I did with my tank and I really like it. Looks nice and is super easy to clean. :)
 
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  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
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  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
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  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
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  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
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    sera: @Clareclare, +1
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