I've had my axies since April, and they've been doing great They eat sinking pellets, frozen (and sometimes live) bloodworm and they live in a 50L tank (to be upgraded when they're bigger)
However, I had them on sand, originally it was about 2" deep and of course, I had a problem with anaerobic areas under the sand I stirred the sand every day when I picked up food, etc with a piece of airline, but I still had the problem. I removed a large majority of the sand and they are now on 5mm at the most of sand, in some areas it's bare where they have moved it around themselves. And even with such a small depth I still get green sand
They are also currently running on a sponge filter as the internal failed in the last few days. I also have a problem with planaria (come about in the last few days, likely underpowered filter).
What I'm thinking of doing is putting in either gravel that is <1mm or much larger than the size of their heads. I have gravel in my other tanks (coldwater Ranchus) and so will be able to vacuum the gravel, etc.
I'm going to get a new filter, and some more hides for them.
It did used to be planted, but in low light conditions they soon died :/ (My axie tank was my first and I've learnt a lot, even just about keeping plants!)
Stats are all good, and they are still happy,active and eating.
So, advice on gravel (I know it tends to be a big no-no, but I've also read about it being ok in certain sizes), filters and anything else I can do to enrich their lives.
Thanks a lot.
How the tank looked about 2 months ago.
However, I had them on sand, originally it was about 2" deep and of course, I had a problem with anaerobic areas under the sand I stirred the sand every day when I picked up food, etc with a piece of airline, but I still had the problem. I removed a large majority of the sand and they are now on 5mm at the most of sand, in some areas it's bare where they have moved it around themselves. And even with such a small depth I still get green sand
They are also currently running on a sponge filter as the internal failed in the last few days. I also have a problem with planaria (come about in the last few days, likely underpowered filter).
What I'm thinking of doing is putting in either gravel that is <1mm or much larger than the size of their heads. I have gravel in my other tanks (coldwater Ranchus) and so will be able to vacuum the gravel, etc.
I'm going to get a new filter, and some more hides for them.
It did used to be planted, but in low light conditions they soon died :/ (My axie tank was my first and I've learnt a lot, even just about keeping plants!)
Stats are all good, and they are still happy,active and eating.
So, advice on gravel (I know it tends to be a big no-no, but I've also read about it being ok in certain sizes), filters and anything else I can do to enrich their lives.
Thanks a lot.
How the tank looked about 2 months ago.