Tank Setup Questions: New Axolotl Owner

[Alicialotl]

Hi guys!

I’m getting ready for my first axolotl. I haven’t purchased one yet, as I’m working on my tank. I have a 20 gallon and the woman I bought it from gave me an Aqueon Quietflow Power Filter 15. Will that be enough filtration? I added fine black sand but I just saw someone mention that a juvenile axolotl shouldn’t have sand because of possible impaction issues. Should I remove the substrate? I was worried that a bare bottom tank would be stressful.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Hayleyy]

I'm guessing the 15 means it's for 15 gallons? That should be mostly okay, you can add a sponge filter on the other side of the tank for a little extra. Is your tank filled all the way up? You may have a bit less than 20 gallons if you the water level is fairly low. I have a 40 gallon but have it filled to 30.
If you get a juvie it is best to not have the sand, like you said they can get impacted. Bare bottom isn't stressful for them, and they will have decorations/hides to sit on if wanted. If you have java or anubias they can be attached to the decorations.

 

[Alicialotl]

Thanks for the advice! My tank is not filled all the way to the top, but I’ll look into a sponge filter. I managed to get the sand out today and I did attach some java fern and anubias to my decorations! I also added some hornwort to the tank. Now I can get on to cycling! Thanks again!