axolotl keepers ! question for you....

[BichirKing]

how do you deal with the biofilm that builds on the surface of the water do to low flow bubble type sponge filters and no current? pics of Macholotl and his temporary digs.



the house will be leaving shortly it takes up to much room. its a 20long for now but I do have a 40 breeder whose residents will be leaving in the summer and will be its FINal tank.

 

[NathanKS]

So the film builds up for the same reasons it does in fish tanks. What/how often are you feeding? how often are you doing water changes?

The easiest method of getting rid of it is simply to do more water changes. You can also lay a paper towel on the surface of the water or use a cup to pick up parts of it. Also make sure your air pump and sponge filter are sized correctly, you should 1/2 the rating of any sponge filter when it is used with a newt or salamander as they contribute significantly more bio load than the equivalent fish would in your 20l gallon.

 

[kno4te]

Plug in skimmer works well.

 

[BichirKing]

I got him last night so no water changes yet. I'm using a cycled sponge out of one of my sumps. I plan on doing weekly water changes like I do with my other tanks. this is my first ax and have spent a few hours on youtube watching everything I could find on them. last night he ate a big chunk of earthworm from my worm bin. I used a turkey baster to suck out his poop this morning. looks like blood worms are what he was eating.

 

[NathanKS]

View attachment 1348566 Plug in skimmer works well.

not so well with most newts, axolotls should be ok though since they stay in their larvae stage. Most newts just climb all over them and jack them up. They also gum up fairly easily.

I got him last night so no water changes yet. I'm using a cycled sponge out of one of my sumps. I plan on doing weekly water changes like I do with my other tanks. this is my first ax and have spent a few hours on youtube watching everything I could find on them. last night he ate a big chunk of earthworm from my worm bin. I used a turkey baster to suck out his poop this morning. looks like blood worms are what he was eating.

Nice, I would monitor the ammonia for the first month still.
earth worms are good, blood worms are good, black worms are best IMPO.

 

[BichirKing]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016QWPCAS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I ordered this to give it a try.

Nice, I would monitor the ammonia for the first month still.
earth worms are good, blood worms are good, black worms are best IMPO

I am and will be monitoring the water and might have to adjust the water change schedule.
I have frozen blood worms but i'm not a huge fan of the mess they can leave. I might give live black worms as a treat. from what I've seen and read earth worms are the best staple for them. I gave him a shrimp pellet and he seemed to like it. so far hes not picky.