It won't be a true "aquascape" per say, but I'm setting up a tank right now (2ftx1ftx1ft) to maximize axolotl comfort, enrichment, cleanliness, and aesthetics with the use of rocks and live plants. I wont be getting my axolotl for another 2 weeks, but I want to make sure everything is perfect for it!
Anyways, I'd love some opinions on heavily planted tanks and how everyone's axolotls have reacted to their environments. My dad's a biology major and teaches environmental science and he said the biology of the tank is good, so I really just need advice on axolotls!
Right now my tank is set up for one axolotl with some hairgrass, native moss, and some leafed/stem plants growing in an empty tank I've been cycling with fish for a while. They're all used to cold water and low light, and the native plants have been sterilized, quarantined and still under observation for snails or other pests. As a substrate I have semi-large pebbles (I'll explain hold on! Don't freak out just yet!) over an under gravel filter, this way the roots of the plants have a chance against axies pulling them out. On TOP of the pebbles I have aquarium sand so the axies don't swallow the pebbles, and hopefully the underground current will help to reduce potential toxic air pockets. There's a large stone cave for hiding with a slope upward and it's flat on top so more plants can grow up there and the axolotl can hang around closer to the surface if it wants.
I'll be testing the water tomorrow for nitrates, DO, ammonia, etc so the plants have time to change the water chemistry before I react to it too much haha. I'll also take some picture when I get home so you guys can see.
In all, the 20g tank will hopefully only be temporary until my axie grows up and I can transfer some of the stuff into a larger 55g tank.
TL;DR: How has your axolotl reacted to planted tanks (beside ripping the plants out) and what are some elements to planted tanks your axolotl appears to enjoy?
Anyways, I'd love some opinions on heavily planted tanks and how everyone's axolotls have reacted to their environments. My dad's a biology major and teaches environmental science and he said the biology of the tank is good, so I really just need advice on axolotls!
Right now my tank is set up for one axolotl with some hairgrass, native moss, and some leafed/stem plants growing in an empty tank I've been cycling with fish for a while. They're all used to cold water and low light, and the native plants have been sterilized, quarantined and still under observation for snails or other pests. As a substrate I have semi-large pebbles (I'll explain hold on! Don't freak out just yet!) over an under gravel filter, this way the roots of the plants have a chance against axies pulling them out. On TOP of the pebbles I have aquarium sand so the axies don't swallow the pebbles, and hopefully the underground current will help to reduce potential toxic air pockets. There's a large stone cave for hiding with a slope upward and it's flat on top so more plants can grow up there and the axolotl can hang around closer to the surface if it wants.
I'll be testing the water tomorrow for nitrates, DO, ammonia, etc so the plants have time to change the water chemistry before I react to it too much haha. I'll also take some picture when I get home so you guys can see.
In all, the 20g tank will hopefully only be temporary until my axie grows up and I can transfer some of the stuff into a larger 55g tank.
TL;DR: How has your axolotl reacted to planted tanks (beside ripping the plants out) and what are some elements to planted tanks your axolotl appears to enjoy?