Swapping substrate

Hey
This is my first post, I've been reading this forum for a while now.
I noticed my axolotl had some gravel in its mouth (i thought it would still be ok with gravel as its about 5inches in length) and when I went and turned the light on he spat alot of it out so I don't know if he ate any. Any possible health implications/things I can do?

I am going to go and buy some playsand tomorrow and swap it over to be safe. How easy is it to swap over - can I just hold the axie in another container whilst I swap the substrate over and put him back in or will it cause to much of a change to the water?

Also, whats the easiest way to rinse playsand?

Thanks!

Hi & welcome

Any gravel ingested can potentially cause problems - removing it is a priority!

Keep you axolotl in a tub with fresh dechlorinated water while you make the tank safe.

To rinse the sand put 1/3 bucket of sand under the outside tap & turn on the water fast so it stirs up the sand - let it get nearly to the top then pour off the cloudy water - repeat, repeat repeat even after it seems clear rinse again

Before you add the sand
~TURN OFF THE FILTER!~
Then with the rinsed wet sand (once you've removed all the gravel) place it in a cup or container & slowly lower it into the tank water until you're near the bottom then slowly pour out the sand - take it slow & you avoid getting too cloudy (some cloudy is unavoidable) then leave it to settle for a couple if hours - turn filter back on - use your judgement as to how cloudy it is & if should put your axolotl back in or wait a day.

Hope this helps



<3 >o_o< <3

That's great thanks. Is play-sand ok to use? I've heard I can use builders kiln dried sand as well, just wondering whats the best!

Thanks!

Playsand seems to be the most recommended - using anything else can mess with Ph. Playsand is pretty neutral.



<3 >o_o< <3

I got play sand the other day and HIGHLY recommend it