-
When setting up a new tank, put everything in place and run the filter
for at least 24 hours before adding animals. Also, consider
adding a product that establishes a population of beneficial ammonia reducing
bacteria to a new tank.
-
New gravel should be rinsed (in a sieve under running water) until water
runs clean.
-
Get a bucket that can be set aside for use with your amphibian tank(s)
only - one that hasn't had soap in it. Use this only for adding water
to and cleaning your tank (want to be extra fastidious? Get two -
one for clean water only, and one for cleaning).
-
Clean items with hot water only. This includes tank, decoration,
rocks, wood etc., and any new items added to the tank. Soap/detergent/chemical
residues can be very harmful. The exception is filter media
which should be cleaned with cooler water only - see below.
-
A gravel washer is a handy siphon driven device (inexpensive) that gently
agitates the gravel and pulls out dirty water, and is the best way to accomplish
the weekly (or every two weeks at a minimum) water changes.
-
Tap water must be dechlorinated before adding it to the tank. This
can be accomplished with water conditioners sold at pet stores (advantage:
quickly makes the water safe to add to an established tank) or by letting
the water sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
-
Only a third of the water should be changed/replaced at a time. Although
you are adding clean water, the changes in the water chemistry if you change
too much water at a time can be devastating to sensitive amphibians (and
fish).
- Cleaning the filer: any rinsing of filter media should be done in cool water to prevent killing the beneficial bacteria that help to remove ammonia. When changing filter media, including a bit of the old media with the new will help perpetuate the bacteria and make filtering more effective.
Some tips on setting up and maintaining a semi aquatic or aquatic tank
for amphibians. See also "Salamander
Housing" for important water quality considerations.
Species
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