Question: Do I remove axolotls for water change?

[sdaggan]

I am new to axolotls, and I was planning on doing a 20% water change this weekend (1 week after I got them) and wanted to know if I have to remove them before I change the water, or if they will be fine to leave in the tank during the change. I want to avoid stressing them out if possible, and didn't know if it would be more stressful to leave them in the tank or remove them.
In case you need to know, I have 3 juveniles, each in a seperate 10 gallon tank with a low flow filter. The water quality levels are good, as is the temperature. I just wanted to start off right and get in the habit of a weekly water change.
Thanks for any input.

 

[rachel1]

I leave mine in the tank. I just siphon out what I'm changing, then fill it up with clean water. They don't mind at all. I think moving them would probably be more stressful.

 

[sdaggan]

Thanks for the advice, I'll just leave them in.

 

[allied123]

I personally take my guys out because the moving water seems to be really stressful for them. I think it really depends on the axie but most people leave them in I think. I usually do a pretty large water change and my guys are pretty used to me handling them for their weekly water change.

 

[leiafee]

I leave mine in.

He used to hide from the siphon but now he's bigger he just tries to get it in his gob!

He does go and hide either in his cave or his plants when I'm v e r y s l o w l y pouring the clean water in but he comes out again quickly (and starts headbutting his decorations around as if miffed I moved them!) so doesn't seem to upset by it.

It was harder to not 'swoosh' him when he was smaller I must admit, but however gentle I was catching him I think having him in and out every week would be more stressful than a few minutes hiding. Maybe other people are more used to being handled than mine though.

If you just do everything slowly and gently I'm sure he'll be fine in.