Question: Transfers

[NASHJP]

Hi again,

Soon I will be thinning out my 2 tanks holding 9 x 11-month olds by transferring 3 to a new tank giving a 3 - 3 - 3 population. At present 4 are 'golds' in one tank and the remainder 5 'wilds' are in the second.

Question - what's the best combination? All are essentially the same size but the wilds seem a bit more 'aggressive' - So I favour [2G+1W] - [2G+1W] - [3W] with final thinning when adult and/or sex-pairs to [2G] - [2G] - [2W] - [3W]. Views?

Question - when the new tank is up and running what is the best way to physically catch and transfer the axolotls? I'm a bit concerned that netting might be a hazard to limbs/gills but they have never been handled so not likely to allow that.

Question - how long can axolotl be safely kept out of water?

Question - Should the movers be acclimatised to the new water conditions similarly to tropical fish by holding in a poly-bag and gradually mixing the waters?

Question - the 'recommended' upper Nitrate level limit is 40ppm - does anyone have a online link to a scientific paper, whatever, that gives reasons for this? What are the effects of higher levels?

Many Thanks - John
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[auntiejude]

Whatever combinations you think will work is OK - you know which of your axies get on with which.

You can cathc axies that size in a net without issue, or you can use a plastic tub or fish bag. You can usually buy fish bags for a few pennies at your LFS.

You shouldn't keep axies out of water for any longer than it takes to move them - i.e. less than a minute.

You should acclimatise axies as you described - same as fish.

I have no idea where the aquarium 'safe' level of nitrates comes from, but every resource for all aquariums (fish, axies, turtles etc) says 40-50ppm is a maximum. High nitrates are not really a problem if it spikes for a day or two (unlike ammonia and nitrites) but prolonged exposure will inhibit breeding, damage their immune systems, cause algae blooms which can in turn affect your axie's gills, decrease oxygen levels and it can make the water pH drop to dangerously acidic levels and affect slime coat, gills etc and allow fungus to take hold.