New to Axolotls

[meganderrick]

Hello friends. I just inherited a leucistic axolotl from a friend that could not take care of it. I am beyond nervous about it. Having had a few different amphibians/reptiles and fish in my life I figured this wouldn't be to difficult to care for. Any pro tips/comments/advice is welcome. I have researched just about everything related to axolotls but information coming from axie parents is always helpful. Thanks in advance

 

[sully]

yes sand! it makes it look nicer than a bare bottom in my opinion. although i have seen people doing a textured tile bottom which i think is a cool alternative. sand gets a little messy so you have to have patients but there is something satisfying about seeing all the little foot prints. dont worry too much if you have done the research and ended up here than you've probably got all the info you need. "help is always given at hogwarts to those who ask"

axies are laid back and forgiving but that doesnt mean not to keep and eye on things. you panic as an axie parent but it almost always ends up fine.

 

[STCxB]

Sand is very easy to keep clean if you have a siphon and a turkey baster. I use a siphon to clean my sand really deep and do water changes all at once. I use the turkey baster to spot clean things like a little poop or food that they missed. Sand makes it look very natural and can also help keep the water pH very stable. It also provides a large amount of surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. I don't think I'll ever have another aquarium that doesn't have sand on the bottom.

 

[Creepella]

I've read that sand should not be used for juvenile axolotls less than a certain size (I think 3 inches but I could be mistaken).

I keep my 5 inch axies on play sand and they seem to be doing fine. I like the sand because they can walk on it and it's easy to see the poop and uneaten food. Downside is that when I do water changes I always suck up a lot of sand.

Also, it's a good idea to stir sand up every so often, otherwise anaerobic bacteria can collect in it and foul the water.

 

[rebekahharris02]

I am using slate tiles for my axolotl aquarium. It works great and is easy to keep clean. I have never tried sand though

 

[SnotOtter]

Its also nice (maybe essential in my opinion) if you plan on using rooted live plants, unless you dont mind using pots.

 

[Swag]

It's really a personal preference thing. If you want less maintenance to keep up with, which is always something I look for, then sand is just one more thing to have to worry about. If you like the look of it, then it's worth it. If you want lots of plants then it helps and it creates a more natural look with said plants. I prefer no sand, they don't need sand for anything in particular, some people believe it helps them grip the bottom better but current shouldn't be high enough for that to be a problem, My tank has a moving bed filter along with a planted filter so no water changes, no media rinsing, all I have to do is replace filter floss every few weeks. Low bioload helps. Having sand would just be something to have to keep up with, I prefer the white walls/floor and the focus on the axolotl.

 

[FoolsDance]

I am not a fan of bare bottom tanks, personally, so am willing to do the extra work. Just starting my first axolotl tank, and seeking a reputable seller for my first axies. Suggestions? I don't see an option to send messages to the sellers I have found here...

 

[Someone]

I use sand in one of my axolotl tanks and it does require more work for upkeep but looks nicer. The other tank has a bare bottom but tons of floating plants. That one is much easier to clean though.