What strenght should my filter be?

[callum]

I have heard that the strength of a filter current or the amount of aeration can affect the size of the axolotls gills. My filter is currently on high and my axolotl's gills are a tad small. Is this related or am i being paranoid? I don't have a pic of him but is there another thing which could be affecting him and is there a method of increasing his gill size.

 

[jennifer]

Decreased oxygen would increase gill size, but I wouldn't recommend intentionally subjecting him to that, it could be dangerous.

The more important problem caused by a strong fitler is water current. This is very stressful to axies, so I'd recommend decreasing the flow, or deflecting it from most of the tank.

 

[callum]

The flow of my filter points up so should i have the power on low or high?

 

[shaun]

Keep the flow minimal. Reducing the power should minimize the flow, but if there isn't enough oxygen being put into the tank then you'll need to have the power at max but have something stopping the current as much as possible. Or get an airstone and/or live plants if you haven't already.