Axolotl tank

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AlexisJG

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Hi!
I am wondering which substrate is best for axies? I currently have bare bottom with very large smooth pond rocks (3-5 inches) and I have some live plants so I was looking into substrate also looking for more plants that do well in Axolotl living conditions.
Thanks!
 
AlexisJG said:
Hi!
I am wondering which substrate is best for axies? I currently have bare bottom with very large smooth pond rocks (3-5 inches) and I have some live plants so I was looking into substrate also looking for more plants that do well in Axolotl living conditions.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Hi! I use super fine aquarium sand
 
I use Fine sand - crayola colored sand, blasting abrasive, fine ground pumice etc
I place large cleaned pieces of slate in the sand or off cuts of marble from countertops tiles etc
I also have barebottom depending on age

AlexisJG said:
Hi!
I am wondering which substrate is best for axies? I currently have bare bottom with very large smooth pond rocks (3-5 inches) and I have some live plants so I was looking into substrate also looking for more plants that do well in Axolotl living conditions.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
I am a big fan of sand with rocks/stones/slate on top as well.

The sand is great for plants, to house beneficial bacteria and to act as a dirt sink.
The rocks on top prevent the axolotls from eating the sand and from uprooting the plants. This also allows you to use coarser sand, which again is better for the plants and easier to keep clean.

As for plants, I very much like waterweed (elodia) and vallisneria, two cold-water plants that are very easy (and thus axolotl-resistant). You'll probably need to trim them regularly, but they will get rid of most of your nitrates.
Other good starters are anubias, java ferns and java moss: they're not actually cold-water plants, but so indestructible that it doesn't matter. Won't grow quickly, but won't die either.

Obviously, most aquarium plants are axolotl-safe, but axolotls have a habit of trying to destroy plants, so I wouldn't go for gentle, vulnerable types ;)
 
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