Sand in 1" baby Axolotl tank question

[eklinds]

After doing some further research, (which I admit I should have done before getting little Taco) I've learned that you should have no substrate in your tank until about 5". Currently we have him in a 20 gallon cycled tank with super fine sand- he is only about an inch, inch and half right now and just got his front legs- the back are just starting to bud. (pic under my name is recent for size reference) My question is, do you think we should get a smaller maybe 10 gallon with nothing on the bottom and transfer him there until he's bigger? We're already super attached to the little guy and I want to do what's best for him, or do you think he's ok on the sand if we monitor his feeding and add a bowl maybe?

thanks so much

 

[Cloppy]

I would move either take the sand out or move him to a bare-bottom 10 gallon. You do not have to move him to a 10 gallon, but most axie keepers start out this way for the larvae. Either way, I would take the sand out just because larvae tend to be messier eaters than adults, so I would not risk it.

 

[eklinds]

Ok, thanks so much Cloppy! We have a spare 10 gal laying around so i think i'll grab another filter and set that one up for him just to be safe and keep his 20gal cycling for when he's big enough for it.

 

[Cloppy]

Good Luck!