Axolotls have become popular pets in recent years. There are more of these smiley-faced amphibians in captivity than in the wild! But make no mistake: although there are millions of axolotls in homes throughout the world, these pets have very specific care requirements.
From water filters to fine-grained substrate, you’ll need plenty of materials to ensure your axolotl thrives. While creating the ideal habitat isn’t cheap, in the long run, it could ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life.
1. An Adequately Sized Aquarium
Having an appropriately sized aquarium is critical to your axolotl’s health and well-being. At minimum, the tank should measure 29 gallons, although a 40-gallon tank is ideal. Axolotls generally remain on the bottom of the tank for most of the day, so choose an aquarium with ample floor space. You should also choose a tank that’s made of plexiglass, as this reduces the likelihood of leaks and cracks.
2. Aquarium Filters
When setting up a fish tank, you should get a filter that has a flow rate of three to six times the aquarium’s size. So, if you have an aquarium that’s 40 gallons, you would need a filter with a flow rate of at least 120 gallons per hour (GPH). Filters generally cost anywhere from $25 to $40, depending on the make and model. Many filters come with disposable cartridges, so you’ll likely have to purchase these, too. They’re generally sold separately. Getting a filter with a reusable cartridge could save you time and money.
3. Devices to Chill the Tank’s Water
An axolotl’s aquarium should mimic the animal’s conditions in the wild. Axolotls are native to two lakes in Mexico: Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. These still bodies of water are naturally cold, with the average temperature dipping below 74 degrees Fahrenheit. So, your axolotl’s tank should also be a bit chilly, running about 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
To achieve this temperature, purchase a clip-on fan or water chiller. Many axolotl owners prefer water chillers, as they produce evenly chilled water. It’s worth noting, however, that water chillers can easily reach three-digit pricing, while clip-on fans are generally cheaper.
Check out product reviews, client testimonials, and recommendations online to learn which product best suits your pet’s needs.
4. Water Conditioner Solution
In a perfect world, you could fill up your axolotl’s aquarium with tap water, plop them in the tank, and call it a day. However, keeping these critically endangered animals isn’t that simple. The water that comes from the tap could contain microscopic substances that could hurt your pet. Residue from metal pipes, for example, can eat away at your axolotl’s slime coat, causing serious health complications.
Seachem Prime is a great water conditioner that many experienced axolotl owners swear by. Not only is it a dechlorinator, but it removes ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate from the water. It also won’t throw off the water’s pH levels. Axolotls need water with a pH of 7.4 to 7.6, so fairly neutral conditions.
5. Fine-Grained Substrate
Axolotls’ mouths are like little vacuums. If you’ve ever watched an axolotl eat an earthworm, they swallow them in a single gulp. Unfortunately, this can lead to axolotls accidentally swallowing rocks, pebbles, and gravel, which can lead to fatal bowel obstructions.
To keep your little friend safe, use fine-grained substrate, like sand, on the bottom of their tank. You can also use broken tiles with rounded edges and slate. Some axolotl owners leave the bottoms of their pets’ tanks bare! However, this makes it difficult to anchor live plants and other tank decorations.
A note: only axolotls more than six inches long can safely inhabit tanks with sand. If you’re raising a baby axolotl, play it safe and keep the tank’s bottom clear until they’re older.
6. Water-Testing Kits
Axolotls need very specific water parameter conditions to avoid getting sick or suffering skin conditions, such as necrosis. You should weekly test the tank’s water to ensure that ammonia and nitrite levels remain at zero. You should also test the pH and salinity levels, along with the nitrates.
The composition of your tank’s water isn’t something you can measure without using specialized tests. Water-testing kits usually come in packs and contain all the materials you need to assess your axolotl’s living conditions. Depending on your findings, you may have to conduct water changes, clean the aquarium, or “tub” your axolotl until their tank’s conditions improve.
7. Decorations That Create Hiding Spots
Axolotls are nocturnal creatures, and because they don’t have eyelids, they’re sensitive to bright lights. Curate their aquarium to have plenty of varied hiding spaces, many of which you can create using:
- Terracotta pots
- Large PVC pipes
- Driftwood (stay away from cedar, pine, or oak)
- Ceramic or resin pet store ornaments
- Duckweed
- Moss balls
- Artificial plants without sharp edges
- Java ferns
- Cavernous hideouts
Do You Research Before Getting an Axolotl
Make no mistake: in the right hands, axolotls are easy to care for. Yet, to ensure your pet’s well-being, you should thoroughly research their care needs before bringing them home. Understanding water parameters and the nuances of amphibian care is critical. What’s more, you could read dozens of axolotl care guides, but nothing beats learning from real-life pet owners themselves. There are dedicated axolotl owners on many social media platforms, from Facebook and Reddit, and many are eager to share their insights regarding responsible pet ownership.
Needless to say, setting up a well-balanced axolotl tank isn’t cheap or easy. However, it’s something that anyone can master with time and patience.
