Question: Hide Dimensions?

[anasiana]

Hi everyone,
I'm hoping to get myself a juvenile axolotl soon, but before I do that, I want to make sure I have a good hide for him. I've been looking around a lot, and have been bombarded with a ton of options. So I wanted to ask all of you experienced axie keepers what your recommendations are!

What is the best size to have, preferably one that could be used from juvenile to adult?
How large should the openings be to fit them comfortably, and how many openings should there be?
And finally, where is the best place to put them in the tank? (back, side, center, etc.)

Thanks so much!

 

[Hayleyy]

Hey! There's a ton of things you could use- from old ceramic potts, plumbing pipes, to "proper" hides! I've got an Exo-Terra reptile hide (which my axy adores), an old ceramic soup mug (where I have smashed off- lack of a better word- some of it for the opening, and sealed with aquarium silica), and a shady spot made from driftwood (which doesn't actually drift.. hmm. If you use this- wash it about 10000 times before adding it, ha).
I would say, if you're keeping them in the same tank from juve to adult, may as well just get the bigger adult hides. I think generally its 2-3 inches of an opening (more long than tall, I would assume).
I've also seen that oil burners work a treat (I think thats what they're called?).

 

[Hayleyy]

Oh, and I forgot your last question! Hmm I my hides on the sides, towards the back, with the driftwood shady area in the centre. Maybe see where you axy(s) like to swim and chill. My girl loves the left hand side of the tank, so I generally leave a space there.

 

[Mortimer]

My juveniles LOVE cichlid rocks. They will outgrow them before too long, but they've been perfect so far (and my guys are 4-5.5 inches).

 

[tigmades]

If you haven't see it yet, check out http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...bstrate/85464-do-yourself-homemade-hides.html

I just finished making a hide, and I made the holes 3"Hx4-4.5"W - my axies love it and by having it that wide, there is room for multiple to be side by side sticking out through the opening

 

[anasiana]

Thanks for all the responses! I'm definitely gonna look into your suggestions, they seem great! I'm definitely going to check out the oil burners too. Thanks guys!