Tank Life - Water Quality

When you live your life in a fifty litre glass tank, water quality is important. Today I cleaned Nessie's tank and changed the water. I use a clear plastic tube to siphon about half of the water out into a bucket. The suction of the siphon makes a perfect vacuum cleaner to suck up the debris along the bottom of the tank. I like to change fifty percent of the water, twice a week, which is probably a little more than necessary, but I want the best for my darling, and I can justify the water as I throw the nitrogen rich tank water onto my veggie patch. I use a water conditioner to dechlorinate my tap water, and add it slowly to the tank after it has sat for a while in the room. This is to avoid stressing Nessie with a swift temperature change. Axolotls need temperatures between about 14-23 Celcius. At this time of year, Nessie is enjoying a balmy 17-18 degrees C. I think maintaining really good water quality, is one of the most important factors to ensure a healthy and happy axolotl. The babies are all still alive, I am changing their water daily, but this is only a quick job, as they are currently residing in small, individual jars. Now time to think about cleaning my house....