Sand in axolotl tank

SamAxolotl

SamAxolotl

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my axie is nearly big enough for sand but I'm wondering what kind of sand to use-there are SO many options! I've heard that silica sand is good so I was looking at this one on amazon FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds, White or this one CaribSea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand from Petco. wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these and if they're any good. Basically want to make sure this stuff is super fine so my axie doesn't get injured. Any specific things to look for in sand that are beneficial or things that could be harmful? I'll take any and all the information I can possibly get!!
Thank you!
 
I don't have any specific advice on types of sand (sorry) but I did want to insert a quick reminder for you or anyone else who might be looking at this later that it is VERY important to thoroughly rinse all of the super fine particles out of your sand before adding it in or else you will end up with a very cloudy tank 😁
 
I prefer bare bottom but as stated above make sure you wash the sand out really good.
 
Last edited:
AxolotlMama said:
I prefer bare bottom but as stated above make sure you was the sand out really good.
Click to expand...
Can I ask why you opted for bare bottom?
I only ask because my goal is to be able to have a few plants growing on the bottom of the tank eventually (dwarf hairgrass and that sort of thing) so I figured sand would be the best option to grow this in. I do know sand can cause problems for axolotls if their food is buried in the sand, so I plan to hand feed and/or provide a feeding dish.
So I'd love to know your reason for choosing bare bottom. Thanks!
 
SamAxolotl said:
my axie is nearly big enough for sand but I'm wondering what kind of sand to use-there are SO many options! I've heard that silica sand is good so I was looking at this one on amazon FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds, White or this one CaribSea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand from Petco. wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these and if they're any good. Basically want to make sure this stuff is super fine so my axie doesn't get injured. Any specific things to look for in sand that are beneficial or things that could be harmful? I'll take any and all the information I can possibly get!!
Thank you!
Click to expand...
We have two axolotls, a melanoid and a standard but we have sand in our tank and they do perfectly fine, sand is really only a problem if it gets on your axie's food.
 
SamAxolotl said:
Can I ask why you opted for bare bottom?
I only ask because my goal is to be able to have a few plants growing on the bottom of the tank eventually (dwarf hairgrass and that sort of thing) so I figured sand would be the best option to grow this in. I do know sand can cause problems for axolotls if their food is buried in the sand, so I plan to hand feed and/or provide a feeding dish.
So I'd love to know your reason for choosing bare bottom. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I opted for a bare bottom because it's easier to clean the tank. I believe there isn't a problem with sand but to ensure my axolots tank is perfectly clean I have a bare bottom. I have hides and fake plants but for me the whole cleaning sand would take me forever especially since I have 8 axolotls. Good luck to you and the axolotls and just make sure to clean the sand out really well to ensure the water quality.
 
Okay! Thank you all for your responses! With all the info I have now I'll probably opt to go bare bottom. Thank you!! 🥰
 
I also do barebottom and am working on adding some real plants that don't need substrate (and can also tolerate the light and temperature needs of axolotls) such as java fern
 
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