[Poll] How important is gH for axolotl?

[leomleite]

Ok, I have 2 axolotls for quite some time now. Never had any problems with them, they are all healthy and never had any sickness. I monitor the tanks levels regarding ammonia, nitrites, pH, temperature.

However my tap water is really soft and acidic. It's really close to zero GH and 6 pH.

As a remedy for the acidic water, I've been using crushed sea shells inside the filter, and it keeps the pH between 7,2-7,5.

Recently I tested both kH and gH and both results are around 50ppm (3°gH).

Question is : What are the real benefits of rising the GH of their tank? Do axolotls absorb minerals available on the water? Will it boast their immune system or avoid sickness overall?

I bought the salts to make the Modified Holtfeter’s Solution, and when they got here I'll slowly add the 40% solution on the water changes. (maybe I'll try 20% first)

My first thought is If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

However I think correcting the GH might have long term benefits that I can't really see right now.

What are your thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[leomleite]

I found this article called " Maintenance media for the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum juveniles".

They tested 3 different water solutions on axolotl larvae:
1) dechlorinated tap water; 2) dechlorinated tap water enriched with sodium chloride and commercial colloidal solution and 3) Holtfreter’s solution reconstructed with dechlorinated tap water .

In short therms, they grow bigger and better on the Holtfreter’s solution because the energetic requirements for maintenance (energy lost on osmoregulation ) are lowered and the saved energy can be directed to increase growth and to maintain an overall suitable physiological condition.

I think this conclusion is very valuable for adult axolotls too, since they would use less energy doing osmoregulation, they may be rewarded with better health overall.

Any thoughts?

Source:
Robles-Mendoza, C., C. E. García-Basilio and R. L. Vanegas-Pérez. 2009. Maintenance media for the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum juveniles (Amphibia: Caudata). Hidrobiológica 19 (3): 205-210. Accessed on http://www.scielo.org.mx/pdf/hbio/v19n3/v19n3a3.pdf

 

[Calgarycoppers]

GH is extremely important for axolotls

MY personal experience - I have naturally High GH and 7.6 pH and I use Johns solution - I have bought everything for Holtfreters but haven't had a moment to make it.

I use johns in every tank - breeding stock, rescues, surrenders and grow out - 12 tanks total over 400g.
I have zero fungus issues even if temp get higher for the few days of summer or a spike etc.

as long as I maintain concentration and nitrate levels all is well and my axos are super happy.

 

[leomleite]

GH is extremely important for axolotls

MY personal experience - I have naturally High GH and 7.6 pH and I use Johns solution - I have bought everything for Holtfreters but haven't had a moment to make it.

I use johns in every tank - breeding stock, rescues, surrenders and grow out - 12 tanks total over 400g.
I have zero fungus issues even if temp get higher for the few days of summer or a spike etc.

as long as I maintain concentration and nitrate levels all is well and my axos are super happy.

Thanks for the reply!
Since I have always had low GH, you think its risky changing it as the axolotls are already used to their environment?

 

[Calgarycoppers]

I think if you add it slowly it will be fine

Thanks for the reply!
Since I have always had low GH, you think its risky changing it as the axolotls are already used to their environment?