Is Play Sand Safe for Axolotls? 7 Things To Consider
Axolotls are unique pets that give their owners a unique experience. They are different from other salamanders because they don’t completely change into something else. Instead, they stay the same all their lives.
Their skin is thin and fragile, so care and thought are needed when choosing the substrate for their aquariums. Their eating habits make the choice much harder because they may eat things that are bad for them.
You should choose a substrate that is safe for their skin and won’t hurt them if they eat it while eating their food.
Is it safe for axolotls to play in the sand? You might have a question about this! If so, we have the answer and some more advice on how to set up your new axolotl tank.
Is play sand safe for axolotls?
Sand made for kids to play with, like the kind in sandboxes, is fine to put in your axolotl’s tank as long as it is well rinsed first.
Play sand is cleaned and rinsed to get rid of any dirt or germs that could hurt children. The sand is then washed under pressure to get rid of any rough spots.
The same therapy that makes it good for kids also works for axolotls. But you should always clean the play sand before you put it in your axolotls’ tank.
What Types of Play Sand are Safe for Axolotls?
each and every one of them! Make sure the sand you buy is real play sand that is ready for children to use.
This information will be in the bags of many companies. You also shouldn’t use coloured sand because it could make your water cloudy.
Don’t use coarse aquarium sand, also called builder’s sand, for the bottom of the tank. Course sand is not cleaned the same way as play sand, so an axolotl shouldn’t have it in their home.
What Other Kinds of Sand are Safe for Axolotls?
Your axolotl would do best in play sand, but clean, fine natural sand is also fine.
Both of these things are small enough that your axolotl won’t get hurt if it eats them while eating. They also don’t have any sharp edges that could hurt your axolotl’s skin.
If you have sand in your tank, you should stir it up every so often to keep germs from growing in the air pockets. You should also keep the tank clean in different ways.
What Other Kinds of Substrate or Safe for Axolotls?
We’ve already talked about how both play sand and natural sand are good for an axolotl’s environment. But what else do you have to do?
Large Rocks
If you don’t want to keep sand in your tank, you can put big rocks or pebbles on the bottom.
You’ll also want to make sure the rocks and pebbles are smooth, since axolotls are amphibians, not reptiles, and their skin is sensitive and easily damaged by sharp surfaces.
Tile
Tiles make a great bottom because they can be both pretty and useful. They won’t hurt your axolotl’s skin, and they won’t get eaten by mistake.
The only rule is that you have to make sure they are safe for aquariums and won’t make the water poisonous.
Mix
Bare-bottom
The bare bottom tank method is the safest and easiest way to set up an axolotl’s tank. Your axolotl will be safe if you leave it in a tank with no substrate, but it will be hard to look at.
What Kinds of Substrate are Bad for Axolotls?
Now that we’ve talked about the best substrates for axolotls, let’s talk about what isn’t one of them.
Rocks and Gravel
You should be careful when choosing rocks and only pick ones that are big enough that your pet can’t eat them. Gravel is usually not a good idea because the pieces are usually too big for an axolotl to eat.
Crushed Rock and/or Shells
These aren’t good for your axolotl’s tank because the rough, sharp edges could hurt the skin of your pet. They are also small enough to be swallowed by your axolotl, which could make it sick.
Coarse Sand
Coarse sand is what is used to build things. It hasn’t been treated with chemicals or dirt to get rid of sharp edges, nor has it been blasted with water. Instead, if your axolotl eats it, it could be dangerous or even kill it.
Fake Grass or Mat
Some people want to make a beautiful tank that looks like it came from the wild for their axolotl. To do this, people buy fake grass or a fake grass mat to put in their tank to make it look like it has plants.
The issue with them is that they aren’t always appropriate for an aquatic tank. If the material gets too much water, it could break down and release poisons into the water.
Putting It All Together
Is it safe for axolotls to play in the sand? It is! If you get clean play sand, it can make an excellent substrate for your axolotl’s tank.Keep in mind the following suggestions:
- Check the bag to make sure you’re getting play sand instead of coarse sand or sand for building.
- Rinse the play sand well before putting it in the tank.
- Check the sand for trash.
- You shouldn’t buy play sand that has been dyed or coloured.
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