Will Removing Sand From Tank And Replacing It With Tile Affect My Water???

HI guys! So I’ve had my tank running for about a month now and realized that I don’t really like the sand I have because it gets so dirty and is hard to clean. This is the tank I’m setting up for my axolotl, which is coming next week!!! So I was wondering if I remove the sand, will it affect my water chemistry? Also, has anyone used tile with axolotls or other fish? Do you like it and recommend it? Any specific tile better than the other?

 

Sand is fine as a substrate, but if you find it too messy bare bottom or tile would be ok. Removing the sand shouldn't cause issues.

 

I don't think switching will affect your water quality much. Be prepared for slightly cloudy water for the next day though. However, for axolotls, I believe sand is widely recommended. You cold add tile for decor. Or, I believe people have had success with bare bottoms.
Here is a website I found when I was considering an axolotl.

Please post pics of the new fish once they come in.

 

It will have zero effect on your cycle.

 

Sand is fine as a substrate, but if you find it too messy bare bottom or tile would be ok. Removing the sand shouldn't cause issues.

I just think it would be easier to clean with tile bc axies poop a lot and it’s quite messy... with tile, I feel I could just suck it out easier than sand!

I don't think switching will affect your water quality much. Be prepared for slightly cloudy water for the next day though. However, for axolotls, I believe sand is widely recommended. You cold add tile for decor. Or, I believe people have had success with bare bottoms.
Here is a website I found when I was considering an axolotl.

Please post pics of the new fish once they come in.

I know sand is one of the substrates that is recommended but as a beginner with axolotls, I’m going to try to be as simple as possible and having tile seems the easiest! I’ll let you know how it goes!

It will have zero effect on your cycle.

Great! That’s a relief!

Now does tile need to be cleaned before placing it in? I will rinse it before to get dust off but is there anything else to do to it?

 

I just think it would be easier to clean with tile bc axies poop a lot and it’s quite messy... with tile, I feel I could just suck it out easier than sand!

I know sand is one of the substrates that is recommended but as a beginner with axolotls, I’m going to try to be as simple as possible and having tile seems the easiest! I’ll let you know how it goes!


Great! That’s a relief!

Now does tile need to be cleaned before placing it in? I will rinse it before to get dust off but is there anything else to do to it?

Realistically just clean it with some hot water give it a brush and put it in.

 

I assume that you are refering to ceramic tiles. I have the middle of my community tank covered in ceramic tyles in the feeding area and gravel around to the left and right.
I am really pleased with the tyles. Scrub them down with a sponge once every 14 days during my water change.

 

is porcelain tile okay? I’ve read online that it’s iffy. Is backsplash an option too???

 

is porcelain tile okay? I’ve read online that it’s iffy. Is backsplash an option too???

Porcelain is a pretty neutral substance, unless it has been hand painted and not baked. Some mugs are like that -usually marked "not dishwasher proof"
So you should be ok with baked porcelain tiles. Some porcelain has stains used before baking - they should be alright too.