This is Nessie, my little 'water monster'. He lives in an aquarium approximately 60cm x 30cm. Out of view but at the other end of the aquarium, is a synthetic log, that he also likes to swim through or just sit in.
I have this pink coloured gravel in the aquarium, which I realise is a some what controversial decision, as some axolotls have been know to swallow the gravel and die. When I found that out, I thought seriously about removing the gravel and have only kept it because:
1) I kept my last axolotl on gravel for four years, and it was fine,
2) Nessie had already been on this gravel for more than a month when I learnt this new information, and
3)I have observed Nessie to occasionaly eat rocks, but spit them out.
In saying that, I do not plan to keep any future axolotle pets (including my six new babies), on gravel, and wouldn't have but put it in Nessies's aquarium to start with, had I know about the risks. But as he loves his home, I am leaving it there for now.
You can see the thermometer in this picture. The water quality and temperature are crucial to axolotl health. Nessie is currently enjoying a balmy 17 degrees celcius.
Are you sure it's safe to keep Nessie on the gravel. I really like his name, is he Nessie because he is a little monster?
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki, Thanks for you concern, I have decided Nessie will not have gravel in his next tank. Better safe than sorry! I will write a future post about the reason for Nessie's name.
DeleteWhat did your last axelotl die from.....eating the gravel maybe?
ReplyDeletePossibly, although I thought at the time it may have been the water temp was too high (during a heatwave). After our recent disaster (cracked/leaking tank), I won't be using gravel for Nessie in his next tank, or the babies, just in case.
DeleteLove this pic, the pink gravel makes him stand out
ReplyDeleteThanks, I love this pic of Nessie too!
DeleteI love your axolotl. it looks awesome and cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, he is!
DeleteI am glad, that you remove this grave, its pure poison because of the colour. Do you know these Axolotl in China, who are Blue and Pink because they got injected with the colour? They can only get 5 years old, and the babies, will get very sick.
ReplyDeleteBut Nessie is one of my babies name xD Haha, I also have: Mushu, Wan, Smaug, Haku etc. All of them are dragon names :P
hey uh, i dont own an axolotl yet, but i will in a bit, a good sized tank should have at least 20 gallons for each axie.
ReplyDelete