Question: get rid of the stones??

[captinhowdy]

Hi there, I am new to this forum and also to axolotls. I have set up a tank and have 2 axolotls (Eddie and Vic). The bottom is lined with small stones about 5mm diameter and about 30mm deep. But after finding this forum and reading peoples threads I'm thinking that stones are not a good idea. So sand seems to be the popular choice, but I was wondering how you go about cleaning it after it's in the tank? I understand that with stones you use a syphon vacuum thingy that sucks the waste out between the stones without removing the stones. So if anyone could tell me how they go about cleaning their sand it would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
Mat

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Most people just use a turkey baster to spot clean the sand. Debris shows up really well against a sand brack ground so it's extremely easy to see and keep clean.

 

[b00f]

I would take your axies out, and put them in a tub of tank water and put them in the fridge or somewhere cool, and safe.

Take all oraments, and stuff out, and put in a tub, again, with tank water.
This helps keep benificial bacteria on the decorations, and helps the tank bounce back, once your get those stones out.

Remember, if you rinse with tap water, say goodbye to your cycle. (chloromines in the water will kill ANY of the benifical bacteria.



One tip for rinsing sand, 2-3 goes isnt enough. Keep rinsing, til any run off is clear. It will ensure your filter doesnt get clogged with fine sand. (moving parts + sand = BAD)

Goodluck

Aaron

 

[Jacquie]

For the daily spot cleans I use a turkey baster.

During the weekly partial water changes, I use a syphon to vacuum the sand while I am removing the water, and then with my other hand I squirt at the nooks and crannies by use of the baster (I use large rocks for caves, you'd be amazed how much gunk can accumulate in these cracks). When the gunk is blown out of the cracks, I use the syphon to vacuum it out.

Any sand sucked up by accident during syphoning can just be gently (mind the axolotls!) tossed back into the tank.

 

[captinhowdy]

so its still fine to have a filter going with sand in there then? as long as its well washed?

 

[ianclick]

Hi Mat,

Welcome to the site, I agree with what information has already been given. The easiest option for cleaning is no substrate

 

[captinhowdy]

sweet, thanks everybody for your help, ill post pictures of my setup (when its all up 2 scratch hehe)

 

[b00f]

so its still fine to have a filter going with sand in there then? as long as its well washed?

Sorry, I should of been more precise.

Let the tank settle for 24 hours, so the filter doesnt suck up all the little floaties in the tank.

I did this on my old tank, and it destroyed a powerhead.
Started making funny noises, then it stopped.

Hope all of that helps

 

[captinhowdy]

So you don't think the axolotls will stir the sand up enough to ruin the filter then? I mean after it's settled from putting it in the first time? Sorry if these are stupid questions, I'm new to this stuff and want to get it right.

 

[Jacquie]

So you don't think the axolotls will stir the sand up enough to ruin the filter then? I mean after it's settled from putting it in the first time? Sorry if these are stupid questions, I'm new to this stuff and want to get it right.

I have many axolotls, and in each tank I use sand. I've never had a problem with sand getting into the filters.

It also depends on which type of filter you are using?

My filters are external canister filters. The intake pipes are about four inchs above the substrate. If the intake pipes were too low, then yes, it is feasible that sand can 'get into the works' so to speak. Internal filters usually have intake 'vents' rather than pipes - if the filter is sitting too low to the ground, then sand could clog up the vents.

The only danger with sand is if it is too deep - depth greater than an inch can cause gas pockets to develop which wreak havoc with water quality (not to mention the foul smell). The sand only needs to be a centimeter deep maximum.

Axolotls are very lazy and spend much of their time doing as little as possible.

 

[captinhowdy]

ive just gone to 2 out of 3 of the fish/pet shops i know of and neither had aquarium sand. one of the staff told me that fine sand will mess up the ph or something. is that true? and how to you make the ph right if it does mess it up?

 

[blabberwort]

A lot of people tend to use childrens play sand. It's just as good and a lot cheaper. Just wash it until it runs clear (someone posted a tip of putting it inside a pillowcase to wash it through which is a great idea) before placing in your tank.

 

[Kaysie]

Children's play sand or pool filter sand are okay. The pool filter sand is more coarse, and the play sand is very fine. These are both easily found at a local home-improvement store.

The pet shops probably mean things like Repti-Sand, which is calcium based. This WILL alter your pH, as the calcium will dissolve in the water. Don't use any limestone- or calcium-based sands in your aquarium.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

I will also mention that I have noticed that the pool filter sand will rinse quicker and cleaner than the childrens play sand.