Question: New axie momma!! semi basic set up question

[MommaK]

Hey all I'm new to the lotl game done my research and fell in love! I'm getting a new 10g tank set up with sand substrate 2 3g filters (to help water flow they are on surface and small) and a bubble bar. I wanna know what plants have you discovered work best to avoid uprooting? And also can shrimp and blood worms be put directly in tank and kept there to eat when hungry? Or just at feeding time? I know a bit extra cleaning... which leads to my last (maybe) question. Is there such thing as a sand vaccume? Or how do I clean his sand???? Thanks!! Any tips trick advice etc is appreciated Anna be a good momma haha

 

[auntiejude]

first of all, a 10 gallon will not be big enough for a fully grown axie and you'll need to upgrade at some point. So you might want to consider a bigger tank to start with.
Axies will dig up plants, it's in their nature, so many people keep plants in pots or use plastic instead.
Sand can be cleaned using a turkey baster, but a gravel vac will work for sand too.

 

[MommaK]

Right now he(?) Is about 4.5 what size would be best and when will he need bigger?

 

[Kochebi]

Here's a siphon, and you can find one of these in any pet atore, it's what you'll use to clean sand! https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-Siphon-Aquarium-Cleaner-10-Inch/dp/B004RK405A

Marimo moss balls have also been used in axolotl tanks, I've seen a lot with them in there and they're a pretty axolotl friendly plant that can't be dug up and will just float around. Of course, I don't have any because my big baby Ogo ate one once... But that shouldn't be a problem for you.

And for tank size you'll want a tank with at least 24 inch (roughly 60cm) base for one adult axolotl, so a 20gal long tank would be a decent tank for one adult. I basically go off the rule that a tank should be at least double the length of one adult axolotl, and then add at least a foot of length in size for every additional adult. It's not 100% the best, but it's a good starting point for tank dimensions.

 

[Holly12]

Hey all I'm new to the lotl game done my research and fell in love! I'm getting a new 10g tank set up with sand substrate 2 3g filters (to help water flow they are on surface and small) and a bubble bar. I wanna know what plants have you discovered work best to avoid uprooting? And also can shrimp and blood worms be put directly in tank and kept there to eat when hungry? Or just at feeding time? I know a bit extra cleaning... which leads to my last (maybe) question. Is there such thing as a sand vaccume? Or how do I clean his sand???? Thanks!! Any tips trick advice etc is appreciated Anna be a good momma haha

I just set up a 20g long and am cycling the filters before I brig an axie home. I put plants in my tank - I have Java Fern, Wendelov Java Fern, Anubias Nana and Anubias Nana Petite. All of those can be tied to rocks and wood with sewing thread or fishing line, and they can't be uprooted. I also put in some Java Moss, Marimo Moss Balls and floating Duck Weed that will help shade the top. I'm using CFL bulbs that are 10watts each and 2700K. I am going to lift the lights up a bit so they aren't as bright on the tank, but once the duck weed spreads, there will be some nice shade.