Axie tank

[sophie]

i have just purchased my axie tank, its 3ft x 1ft x 1ft. i think i will need a filter like fluval u2 or u3 which would you recommend? also i would like 3 axies would this tank be ok for 3? thanks for any advice

 

[Kerry1968]

I'm not sure about filters so I can't help you there, sorry.

The 3 foot tank though is a great size for two axolotls, but I think it would be a bit cramped for three. Also you need to be aware that axolotls produce quite a lot of waste, so to keep on top of the waste from three axolotls may be a struggle and mess with your water chemistry.

Talking of which, it will be better for your new axolotls to be in a fully cycled tank. There is lots of information on the site about cycling your tank so have a good look around.

Welcome to the world of axolotls, it is VERY addictive!

 

[madFrankie]

Hi Sophie,

Your tank has a capacity of about 85 litres, which fiits the recommended capacity for the fluval U2 (45-110 litres) so it would do the job for a tank of that size, the only thing to note is that all internal filters of this type tend to produce particularly enthusiastic water flow. A spraybar will be essential to keep your axies happy.
I would personally recommend an external cannister filter as they're generally gentler and I've found them much better in regards to cleaning and maintenance. They are, however, substantially more expensive than internal ones.

The general rule of thumb is 18 inches square of floor space per axie, so I'd tend to agree with Kerry on the space issue - a wee bit cramped but not too bad. I keep four axies in a 4' tank and they're perfectly happy in there.

 

[Fumi]

filters of this type tend to produce particularly enthusiastic water flow

I'll second that! I have a fluval u3 in my larger tropical fish tank and once I've given it a good old clean I can hear it from the other rooms in my flat. It really is very powerful.

 

[sophie]

thanks for the help! i do have an external filter which i used for an old aquarium a fluval 104 (long time ago) it hasn't been used in about 5years i hope it still works lol. would that be anygood?

 

[madFrankie]

Should do nicely. Oh, and another bonus of the external filter that I forgot to mention before is that they don't heat up the tank, like the internal ones do due to the electric motor.

Hope it still works!