Can an axolotl live without a filter?

[lray]

My tank is still cycling. In the mean time, can my 2 axolotls live in a container together witn no filter if i change the water every 24 hours with dechloronated water?? I am seeding my tank and will heat it to establish it quicker. I have been advised it can be done in little as 10 days. Will the axolotls be happy for 10 days in a container?

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

My tank is still cycling. In the mean time, can my 2 axolotls live in a container together witn no filter if i change the water every 24 hours with dechloronated water?? I am seeding my tank and will heat it to establish it quicker. I have been advised it can be done in little as 10 days. Will the axolotls be happy for 10 days in a container?

How big are the containers? How big are the axolotls? I'd try to put them in their own containers for a less stress environment. Honestly If you have to put them in containers than keep them separate and cool. I say cool to slower metabolism so they don't foul their water in the containers and DON'T FEED! I say separate so there's no risk of injury and the risk of both of them fouling in the same container. That would be the worst. If the temperatures are cool enough and water parameters are right there might not be any problems. The water parameters can change drastically in a small container or tupperware.

I'd say all this is kind of risky. You don't have any cycled water around? If so add it into the new tank. Or if you have a old filter use it for its beneficial bacteria to assist in cycling. How are you "seeding" the tank?

This thread should've been posted in the (Axolotl Help Section).

 

[carsona246]

I just say cycle the tank with the axolotls in there and do water changes. The rise in temperature may help speed up the cycle, but lowering the temp down when you put the axolotls back in might kill off a lot of that beneficial bacteria. It's possible for you to cycle in 10 days, but it's also possible for you to be cycling for 9 weeks.

 

[aeviette]

I agree, it'll be much simpler to just cycle the tank with them in. Why no filter? I would have thought a filter would help the cycle get going, as that's where most of the bacteria live anyway.

 

[yellowpebble]

I think OP meant no filter in the containers they are living in temporarily. They can live without a filter if you change the water every day like you are doing. Most cycles take a few months when done properly, and the only way you are going to be able to tell when it's done is to test the water with a master kit, do not assume after 9 days it will be done. It is possible to cycle the tank with the axolotls in there, and actually makes it faster because they produce a source of ammonia which the bacteria feed on. Just make sure you do 20% water changes every day to avoid it building up and harming the axolotls while it is still cycling. They would probably be happier in their tank too!

You can choose to cycle the filter with your animals in there, with temporary animals like goldfish, or with no animals at all by putting in an ammonia source like food. Some enthusiasts debate the ethics of exposing your animals to ammonia during the cycling process, but considering you have them in tubs with no cycled filter they would be exposed to a little ammonia anyway, about the same as if you were changing the water regularly in their actual tank... if not more because I’m assuming the containers are smaller.

I cycled my tank with my axolotls in there, and it took about 2 months.

Also, a live plant is very useful during cycling because it eats up some ammonia too. I grow a peace lily out the top of mine, but you can use java moss or ferns if you want a submerged plant as they can withstand the low light environment required for axolotls. Good luck

 

[Minniechild]

Guppies make excellent cycling-mates and then the axies can nomm on them later!
Everything above (said by much wiser people than I) Is the general guide- No matter what, you'll be doing water changes everyday. If you're able to grab a sponge filter/half the filter wool from someone else's tank- MAKE SURE THEY DON'T HAVE ANY DISEASES!!!- Your cycle will establish that much faster, and be just that little bit easier to maintain And if you need to move your axies out once you've established it, get guppies to keep the cycle alive
Good luck!