Water change tools???

[ValaBestTheif]

Hi all! I am getting an Axolotl this December, the tank is currently cycled with a beta, tetras, and cories. Those guys will be moving to a 29 gallon tank and the Axolotl will go in the 40. I was wondering if anyone used the water changers that screw into a faucet so you don’t have to carry water. I was wondering about pros and cons of them. Any advice appreciated!!! Also slowly decreasing the water temp over a week or two shouldn’t affect the cycle correct?

 

[minorhero]

I have a python. Pros are it saves you from misery. Cons are you have to buy one.

Seriously, just get one (or one of the cheaper clones).

 

[wolfen]

unless you are cycling the tank with large carnivorous fish (ie.. oscars) the tanks/filters nitrogen cycle won't be able to cope with the waste output of a adult axolotl once it is older.
axolotl tanks are normally cycled chemically due to the high levels of ammonia required ie.. 4ppm ammonia per day, this is due to the growth rate of an axolotl with it being sexually mature by 18 months on average (they can also grow up to 18 inches although rare to do so).
due to how important the nitrifying bacteria is it is important to dechlorinate the water before adding to the tank (chlorine in tap water will kill the beneficial bacteria destroying the cycle).

 

[Goldfishfan]

Hi all! I am getting an Axolotl this December, the tank is currently cycled with a beta, tetras, and cories. Those guys will be moving to a 29 gallon tank and the Axolotl will go in the 40. I was wondering if anyone used the water changers that screw into a faucet so you don’t have to carry water. I was wondering about pros and cons of them. Any advice appreciated!!! Also slowly decreasing the water temp over a week or two shouldn’t affect the cycle correct?

Hi, slowly decreasing your water temperature over a few weeks is not harmful to the nitrogen cycle. Similar temperature changes like this occur in nature. Its unlikely to be detrimental. A rapidly changing temperature can be harmful.

I also use a python water changer system. Personally, I consider the python water changer essential for any sized tank. I cannot live without it.

I have a few tips to add if I may. You can use coarse mesh media bag held to the end of the python gravel vac with a rubber band. This is used to prevent your animals from accidentally getting suctioned into the vac and injured. I always do this for peace of mind. Doing this also allows me to focus on other things while my tank is being drained.
Secondly, there is a python accessory called python hook. I have one. It was well worth the cost. For a time I would use screw on RV water filter cyclinders attached to my water hook to purify the water. These RV filters are a but pricey amd only good for aboht 800 to 1000 gallons.. so later I stopped using those and designed my own filtration system.. still, the python hook itself is a handy accessory to have.

Finally, you'll also want to get yourself an infrared thermometer. Its the type that has a red laser. You may remember when everyone was pointing these at peoples foreheads during covid. These handheld thermometers are invaluable when you're doing water changes in your aquariums. They're used to match the temperature of the water being filled to the temperature of the water currently in the tank. This process helps to prevent shock to your animals from drastic temperature changes.

That's about all the tips I care to provide for now.
Goodluck with your 40 gallon axolotl aquarium. That's exciting! Enjoy.