Axolotls, while critically endangered in the wild, have thrived in captivity. This has spurred many first-time owners of marine life and amphibians to try their hand at keeping these smiley-faced cuties. But there’s a critical aspect of axolotl ownership that many first-timers overlook: the necessity of tubbing. Here, you temporarily transfer your axolotl from their main aquarium and into a smaller set-up.
You can learn the basics of tubbing an axolotl and when this process is necessary below.
First: A Step-by-Step Guide to Axolotl Tubbing
Axolotl Planet has amazing resources for those entering the world of axolotl-keeping. It notes that you can tub an axolotl for months, given they have their needs met. Still, you should only resort to tubbing as a temporary measure in response to sudden changes in your axolotl’s health or habitat. You should avoid purchasing and tubbing an axolotl before you have a fully cycled tank. You want to minimize any stress this could cause!
That said, when tubbing your axolotl:
- Get two pieces of plasticware that won’t leach chemicals into the water. Ensure that the containers are twice the length of your axolotl’s body, so they have space to move around.
- Disinfect the containers using hot water, refraining from abrasive cleaners. Fill the container with cold water and add five drops of water conditioner, a solution that reduces water hardness and makes it suitable for aquatic life.
- Use a net to capture your axolotl and transfer them to the container. They should be fully submerged. Be sure to use a lid; you don’t want your axolotl jumping from the water!
After 12 hours, place your axolotl into the other piece of plasticware that you have filled with cold water and added water conditioner. In the meantime, rinse the other plasticware and prepare it to house your axolotl again. You’ll continue the back-and-forth process of transferring your axolotl from container to container until you’ve remedied the problem that necessitated tubbing. During this process, feed your axolotl once every one to two days (depending on their age) and note any loss of appetite.
Is the Water Too Hot? Tub Your Axolotl
While it’s relatively easy to keep axolotls, they need very specific conditions to survive. One aspect is the tank’s temperature. Axolotls need colder water than most freshwater fish. Whereas a goldfish needs water at 68 to 74° F, axolotls need water that’s 60° F to 68° F. Water higher than 72° F could prove detrimental to their health. Animals (Basel) explains that this is because amphibians have poor thermal regulation, making them very sensitive to unsuitable water temperatures.
It’s important to know the signs of an overheated axolotl. Aside from a high temperature reading, symptoms of overheating can include refusal to eat, uncontrollable floating, and a distended abdomen. If your axolotl’s tank has overheated, tub them using the instructions above. You may place them in the refrigerator to help them cool down.
In the meantime, troubleshoot why the water got too warm. Do you need a water chiller? These devices are essential for keeping some types of salamanders and other amphibians. Do you already have a water chiller? Consider whether it’s too small for your aquarium or needs replacing because of a mechanical issue.
Are Your Axolotls Fighting (or Breeding)? Consider Tubbing
Axolotls are solitary animals by nature. While they can co-exist in pairs or groups (given they’re the same size and have enough space), there are a few things to consider. For starters, you should never house male and female axolotls together. Males will literally breed females to death, and a single clutch could include thousands of eggs. What’s more, egg-laying is physically taxing on a female, seriously impeding her quality of life.
This can get complicated, however. Generally, it’s hard to determine an axolotl’s sex before they turn 18 months old. So, you could get a pair of axolotls, believe that they’re both males, and then find out that you have a breeding pair when you spot eggs on the undersides of tank decorations and plants. If you find yourself with a male and female axolotl, you may tub one of them to avoid stress to the female. In the meantime, you may decide whether to rehome an axolotl or get a separate enclosure. Some owners have tank dividers, so they don’t have multiple aquariums.
Axolotls are not aggressive or particularly territorial. However, they will eat anything that can fit in their mouths—and that could include the limbs of smaller axolotls! Even though these amazing animals can regenerate limbs, losing limbs to tankmates is something owners want to avoid. If you’ve made the mistake of getting two differently sized axolotls and housing them together, you should tub one of them. In the meantime, you can set up a new tank or decide whether to tub your axolotl until it’s the same size as the other one. Keep in mind that, again, while you can tub an axolotl safely for months, this isn’t ideal–-or convenient.
Fungal Infection? Tubbing Could Help Your Axolotl
A combination of factors could cause an axolotl to develop a fungal infection, which generally manifests as cotton-like tufts around the gills or as wound sites. Unbalanced water parameters, unsuitable temperatures, and a lowered immune system from stress can make an axolotl more susceptible. While there are various treatments to combat fungal infections, unless you understand the source of the growth, your axolotl will likely suffer the issue again and again. Not only could this take a toll on their health, but it can also prove fatal.
After tubbing your axolotl, see if you can pinpoint the cause of the fungus. This may include:
- Testing the water chemistry
- Doing a partial water change
- Cleaning the aquarium
- Measuring the water’s temperature
You may also consider whether you’re overfeeding your axolotl. Decomposing food releases nitrates and ammonia, both of which can destabilize water parameters and cause your pet harm. Bottom line: tubbing an axolotl may seem harsh (after all, would you want to be confined in a small container?), but in the long run, it could save their life.
