LakeJeffler
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- Aug 9, 2015
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Hello, all!
I know that filter questions have been posted a thousand times on here, but I was hoping to get some help with my specific situation. I'm new to axolotl ownership, but have done plenty of reading on the subject.
I have a 20 gallon tank filled with 12 gallons of water with play sand substrate. It currently houses 3 juvenile axolotls approximately 6 inches in length. (I know that many would say this is too small for 3 axolotls, but they're happy for the moment.)
My tank was cycled before introducing the axies, and all was fine when I transferred the first axie over. The same when I introduced the 2nd about a week later. Things became more difficult, however, when I added the 3rd axie to the tank. I'm afraid that my filter is unable to keep up.
Despite my weekly 20%+ water changes and nightly food/waste removal regimen, the water has turned slightly cloudy and a brownish color. My levels have been (mostly) fine. For weeks now I have maintained 0.5ppm ammonia, 2.0ppm nitrite, and 5.0ppm nitrate. My pH has always run high at 8.2, but the axies don't seem to mind.
I need to find a filter that can handle my setup and situation to keep the water clear. I'm currently using an internal Tetra Whisper rated for up to 10 gallons, baffled with a plastic water bottle. Yes, I know (now) that it is way too small to handle 3 axolotls, but I'm a college student on a budget, so that was what I started with. I need a filter for under $40 that is going to stay quiet and not create a current too strong for axies. I also have to be careful with water temperature, as my tank already holds a temp of 74F with my internal Whisper filter.
Can anyone give me any suggestions? Really wanting to get this figure out to keep my axies healthy and happy! Thanks in advance!!
I know that filter questions have been posted a thousand times on here, but I was hoping to get some help with my specific situation. I'm new to axolotl ownership, but have done plenty of reading on the subject.
I have a 20 gallon tank filled with 12 gallons of water with play sand substrate. It currently houses 3 juvenile axolotls approximately 6 inches in length. (I know that many would say this is too small for 3 axolotls, but they're happy for the moment.)
My tank was cycled before introducing the axies, and all was fine when I transferred the first axie over. The same when I introduced the 2nd about a week later. Things became more difficult, however, when I added the 3rd axie to the tank. I'm afraid that my filter is unable to keep up.
Despite my weekly 20%+ water changes and nightly food/waste removal regimen, the water has turned slightly cloudy and a brownish color. My levels have been (mostly) fine. For weeks now I have maintained 0.5ppm ammonia, 2.0ppm nitrite, and 5.0ppm nitrate. My pH has always run high at 8.2, but the axies don't seem to mind.
I need to find a filter that can handle my setup and situation to keep the water clear. I'm currently using an internal Tetra Whisper rated for up to 10 gallons, baffled with a plastic water bottle. Yes, I know (now) that it is way too small to handle 3 axolotls, but I'm a college student on a budget, so that was what I started with. I need a filter for under $40 that is going to stay quiet and not create a current too strong for axies. I also have to be careful with water temperature, as my tank already holds a temp of 74F with my internal Whisper filter.
Can anyone give me any suggestions? Really wanting to get this figure out to keep my axies healthy and happy! Thanks in advance!!