Care

Axolotl Care – Tank Size Guidelines

  • Single Axolotl: A 20-gallon long tank is the minimum recommended size.
  • Additional Axolotls: Add 10 gallons per extra axolotl.
  • Tank Shape: Choose tanks that are long and wide. Axolotls are bottom-dwellers and need horizontal space to walk, explore, and feel comfortable.

Here’s a helpful video from YouTube on setting up an Axolotl: Basic Tank Set Up (not my content, all credit goes to stressinabox): https://youtu.be/UAcb-cXbv64?si=qtW_SF7qTM7g0HRy

Axolotl Care – Filters:

There are many kinds of filters you can have on your tank, I personally like the hang on the back filters so you can add media, if needed. Sponges are also very popular. Just make sure you are verifying your filter size to your aquarium.

Axolotl Care – Water Conditioner

Tap water usually contains chlorine or chloramines, which are harmful (and potentially fatal) to axolotls. That is why using a water conditioner is essential for making the water safe.

What Water Conditioner Does:

  • Removes chlorine and chloramine
  • Detoxifies heavy metals
  • Makes tap water safe for axolotls and beneficial bacteria in your tank

What to Use:

  • Choose a reputable water conditioner (like Seachem Prime, API Tap Water Conditioner, or similar). Do NOT use any water conditioner with Aloe Vera (Aloe vera contains saponins and anthraquinones — natural compounds that can irritate or damage the delicate skin and gills of axolotls) Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully.

When to Use:

  • Every time you add new tap water to the tank (e.g., during water changes or top-offs).

Axolotl Care – Temperature

Axolotls are cold-water amphibians and are very sensitive to temperature changes. Keeping the water within a safe range is important to their health and longevity.

Ideal Water Temperature:

  • 60°F to 68°F
  • They can tolerate 57°F to 68°F (14°C to 20°C), but prolonged exposure outside the ideal range can cause stress or illness.

Avoid:

  • Above 70°F (21°C): Can lead to stress, loss of appetite, fungal infections, and even death if it stays too high for too long.
  • Below 55°F (13°C): Slows down metabolism and may affect immune function.

 Cooling Tips:

  • Use an aquarium fan or chiller
  • Float frozen water bottles (dechlorinated) to lower temps temporarily.
  • Keep the tank away from windows, heaters, or sunny spots.

Use an aquarium thermometer to monitor the temperature daily.

Axolotl Care – Substrate

Choosing the right substrate is important for your axolotl’s safety and comfort. The wrong type can lead to health problems like impaction (a dangerous digestive blockage).

Recommended Substrates:

  • Bare Bottom
    • Pros: Easiest to clean, zero risk of impaction.
    • Cons: Less natural look, may cause stress in some axolotls due to reflections.
  • Fine Sand (Axolotl Must be bigger than 5 inches)
    • Pros: Safe if the grains are very fine (like sugar), natural appearance.
    • Cons: Needs regular cleaning to prevent waste buildup.

Important: Always rinse sand thoroughly before adding it to the tank.

Substrates to Avoid:

  • Gravel or Pebbles: Axolotls may accidentally swallow them, leading to impaction, which can be fatal. No Marbles, Small Stones, anything that can fit in their mouths. They are very food driven Animals
  • Sharp or Rough Materials: Can damage their delicate skin and feet.