Question: Is Equilibrium by Seachem safe for an axolotl?

[littlelotllady]

Hello! So what I'm wondering is A.) Do people know if seachem's equilibrium is ok to use in my axie's tank and B.) Does anyone have suggestions on how to raise the water hardness, KH, and pH?

I have 1 axolotl in a 29 gallon tank and although my fish aquarium and frog's tank keep a steady pH of 7 the axolotl tank's pH is done to a 6! It used to hang out around a 6.8 or so, not quite ideal but a 6 is just too low. I mention the other critters because their tanks are upstairs and therefore I use a different faucet then the one for my axie who lives downstairs (not sure if that could mean anything or not) The KH is basically non-existent and I know that is causing the pH problems. My water is also pretty soft.

So as you can see I am in need of some advice! I use tap water but treat it with API Stress Coat. I also have a piece of Atlantic crushed coral, probably around a 1 pound piece.

Here's what's in Equilibrium
Soluble potash (K2O).......23.0%
Calcium (Ca)...........8.06%
Magnesium(mg).......2.41%
2.41% water soluble Magnesium
Iron(Fe)......0.11%
0.11% water soluble Iron
Manganese(Mn).....0.06%
0.06% water soluble Manganese
Derived from: potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, ferric sulfate, manganese sulfate. Contains no Sodium or Chloride

As always any advice is welcome, thanks!

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Re: Is Equillibrium by Seachem safe for an axolotl?

I suggest more frequent water changes.

pH adjustment is a tricky task and I do not suggest it be done. It is far too easy for the inexperienced and even the experienced to adjust pH without some serious spikes and dips.

It should NEVER be done in tank. Ever.

What sort of pH test are you using? Dip strips are pretty unreliable, and honestly I am not a fan of the tablet based kits either.

If it were I, I would start with your annual water report required by law for all municipalities. Pay particular attention to the phosphate and carbonate levels.

From there I would do a test from a kit for the water out of your tap. (Note, let the tap run for at least three minutes so you don't get off readings caused by your plumbing.)

A six truly isn't out of bounds, but it will cause gill shrinkage.


Additionally what is your algae/diatom colony looking like? Both can cause pH variations. Algae is greenish or yellowish, diatoms often brown in aquariums.

If you have soft water, you may want to consider Holtfreter's Solution to treat your water after de-chlorination.

A bit of time on here with the search function and you can find a ton of information on water chemistry. (Much of it is valid, we have a few actual chemists and biochemists sneaking around here.)

However, to answer your question, save your money and skip the Equilibrium, it is formulated for heavily planted, soft water aquariums. Unless your critter is in an underwater jungle, this stuff is not a good solution.

 

[littlelotllady]

Re: Is Equillibrium by Seachem safe for an axolotl?

I don't like the dip strips or tablets either, I use the liquid drops from API. I do believe the tap pH is a little higher, I'll re-test when I'm home because I do not recall exactly what is. I'll check the town's water report as well. I do a small 10-15% water change once a week, do you think smaller ones twice a week would be better?

As far as the algae goes there is a small amount of green algae from time to time nothing too crazy though, and there is a little brown algae that's in the filter itself.

I've read about Holtfreters solution on this water chemistry page of this site. Do you know if that's something I can purchase pre-made or would I need to prepare I myself. If it's something I have to do on my own do you have any recommendations from where to purchase the materials from?

Sorry for all the questions I just want to make sure that all of his parameters are met so he is a happy axie. Thank you so much for your reply!