Total newb

[xandert]

Thanks to the temptation of a friend of mine, I'm getting ready to acquire my very first axies. I'm far from new to aquarium keeping, though I've been fish free for about the last 5 years, but I've never had axies or anything along those lines before. I'm already diving into the wealth of information in the various forums and look forward to learning more. I want to make sure my axies get the best care I can possibly give them. :happy:

Dawn T

 

[t_summ]

Welcome Dawn.

You should browse the Axolotl section of the forum. There is loads of information there. Also, check out Axolotl.org

Good Luck!!

 

[Jennewt]

Your fishkeeping experience will be useful. Here are a couple of differences... Don't use gravel. Think about how to keep them cool, rather than warm. Choose a filter with minimal current.

Welcome, and good luck!

 

[xandert]

No problem there. I didn't even use gravel in my fish aquariums. I used play sand. I had natural planted tanks with no filters or other equipment, lightly populated with fish, densely planted. I had filtered tanks in the earlier years of the hobby, but it's been a while. So, needless to say, I'm having to refresh my brain on filters - types, power and such - so I can make sure I get the right kind for the axies' tank. Thankfully, the information wasn't filed too far away into the dark recesses of my attic, so it's coming back without too much kicking and screaming.

My main concern at this point has been keeping the water cool enough for axies since I live in Arizona. We use fans and a swamp cooler during the summer. (No A/C in our home. Makes me ill.) But I've been reading through the forums and found some great information on keeping the water cool with methods I can most definitely utilize. This site has turned out to be a top notch source of great information! Very helpful. I'm thrilled to be here.

Oh, and thanks much for the welcome! :happy:


Dawn T

 

[Kaysie]

If you heavily plant the tanks, and lightly populate them, the need for a filter is reduced. If you have lots of plants and very few axolotls, you can probably get away with not having a filter. Just remember that axolotls are nocturnal, and so light for the plants may stress them out without enough hiding spaces.

As far as cooling, if you have a basement, keep them there. If not, you can purchase a chiller (which is expensive), or a window unit air conditioner and just cool one room in the house (my axolotls have an air conditioner, but I don't).

 

[xandert]

No basement here - not too common in my part of Arizona due to sheet flooding risks. But I am well versed in the use of fans and such. Not to mention, the old iced bottle routine. So it'll just be a matter of finding out exactly what will work best for me. I was told this morning that my axies should arrive in a week or two. Should be narrowed down by the end of the week. I'm getting so excited!

:smile:

Dawn T

 

[ianclick]

Hi Dawn welcome and good luck,

Oh and would love to see a photo when you get them.

 

[jlitespeed]

G'day Dawn. I'm looking forward to seeing the new arrivals too!

 

[xandert]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone. I'll be sure to get photos when the new additions arrive.

Dawn T