The axolotl, also known as Ambystoma mexicanum, is a fascinating amphibian that can live up to 20 years in captivity. It’s not only fun to watch but also easy to care for if you know what you’re doing.
However, it’s important that you take the right steps when introducing your axolotl into its new home and adjusting it to this new environment before taking on other responsibilities.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to acclimate an axolotl by giving it the best possible start in life!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Proper acclimation is essential for the successful transition of axolotls to a new tank. |
| – Gradually adjusting the water temperature is important to prevent shock and stress. |
| – Using a drip acclimation method can help maintain a stable water parameter during the process. |
| – Allowing axolotls to explore and adjust to their new surroundings at their own pace is recommended. |
| – Monitoring the axolotls closely during acclimation can help identify any signs of distress or illness. |
| – Providing hiding spots and a stress-free environment can aid in the acclimation process. |
| – Patience and careful observation are key to ensuring a smooth acclimation for axolotls. |
Get The Right Size Tank
Before you get your axolotl, it’s important to have the right-sized tank. The ideal setup is a 10-20 gallon aquarium with a lid to prevent escape, and an under gravel filter to keep the water clean.
A light fixture should be included if you live in a place where your axolotl will need it to stay healthy.
When it comes to feeding axolotls, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to feed axolotls to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Fill The Tank With Bottled Water
In order to acclimate your axolotl, you’ll need to fill the tank with a clean and safe water source (no tap or distilled water). Your choice of bottled water should be based on the location from which it originates.
Since there are no hard and fast rules for obtaining this information, ask the person at your grocery store where they get their bottled water and why they use that particular brand. If they have any questions about what kind of axolotl you have, be sure to explain that this is a unique creature that requires different treatment than other freshwater animals do.
Add A Water Filter
If you don’t already have a filter in your tank, it’s a good idea to invest in one. Filters are important for keeping the water clean and healthy, and they’ll also keep your axolotl happy by giving them more places to explore.
They’re also relatively easy to install. You can buy one at a pet store or make your own using an aquarium pump and air stones which will help aerate the water and keep it moving so that harmful bacteria don’t grow as easily.
| Brand | Model | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aquafresh | AquaFlow | High-performance water filter for optimal filtration |
| CleanWave | HydroPure | Advanced water filtration system for clean water |
| PureFlow | CrystalClear | Effective filter that removes impurities |
| AquaTech | ClearStream | Reliable water filter with easy installation |
| ClearFlow | AquaMax | Energy-efficient filter for purified water |
Set Up An Aquarium Heater
The first step to acclimating an axolotl is to set up a tank. I’m going to assume you already have one, but if not, you can buy the equipment at any pet store.
The next step is getting your water temperature right. Axolotls need their water at around 65° Fahrenheit (18° Celsius), so make sure your heater is set with that as its target temperature.
You don’t want it too hot or too cold so watch carefully! Once it’s set up and running properly, let things cool down for a while before adding in the ice cubes or salt mix that’s gonna make this whole thing work its magic on your new pet friend.
Curious about the level of care axolotls require? Our article on axolotl care dives into the details, providing insights and tips to help you create a suitable environment for your aquatic companions.
Keep Axolotls Above 65° Fahrenheit (18° Celsius)
Axolotls need to be kept above 65° Fahrenheit (18° Celsius). That’s the range they like best, and they will do well at this temperature. If you want your axolotl to live a long, healthy life, make sure you maintain this temperature consistently throughout its tank.
You should also avoid sudden changes in temperature if you’re going on vacation or an extended period of time away from home, make sure that someone who can care for your axolotl will keep it warm enough while you’re gone!
If the water gets too cold, it may go into hibernation mode, causing organ damage and even death; if it gets too hot for too long of a period, stress builds up within the body which can lead to serious illness or even death as well!
| Temperature Range (°F) | Temperature Range (°C) |
|---|---|
| 65-68°F | 18-20°C |
| 68-72°F | 20-22°C |
| 72-75°F | 22-24°C |
Don’t Stress Your Axolotls Out
This is a very important step. Many axolotl owners don’t understand how sensitive axolotls are to stress, and so they handle them too much (and often).
Some people even take their axolotl out of its tank and hold it. This can cause serious health problems for your axolotl!
When an animal is stressed, they stop eating and reproducing, they will stop growing, won’t move around as much, etc.
If you want your axolotls to live happy lives in captivity with you then avoid stressing them out at all costs!
Introduce Them To Their New Home Slowly And Steadily
Remember that you want to make an Axolotl feel at home, and the best way to do that is to introduce them slowly. Don’t just dump them in a new tank and walk away. Instead, take your time and let them find their own way around.
Let’s say your Axolotl is going from one tank to another. You don’t want to put it in a new tank, then leave it there by itself while you busily fill the rest of the aquarium with rocks and decorations when they’re ready for those items!
Instead, start by putting some water or substrate into the lower half of their new aquarium so they can swim up through it as they get used to their surroundings.
Then add some plants (if desired) closer toward where you would eventually place your substrate/rocks/decorations so that over time your axolotl will get used to seeing these items before any others are added on top of them!
As far as feeding goes…don’t feed an axolotl right after putting him into his new home! Give him 24 hours or more without food before trying anything new like feeding him live foods such as worms–and even then be careful about how much he eats at once so he doesn’t get sick from eating too many worms all at once!
Have you ever wondered if axolotls raise their young? Discover more about the fascinating reproductive behavior of axolotls in our informative piece: Do axolotls raise their young?
Use Conditioner In Their New Water Tank To Reduce Stress Until They Have Settled In.
Use conditioner in their new water tank to reduce stress until they have settled in.
Add a small amount of conditioner to the water. Conditioner is a product that reduces stress and helps prevent fish diseases, but it is not necessary to use if you don’t have any on hand or don’t want it added to your axolotl tank. In either case, using conditioner will only help make the move less stressful for your pet amphibian.
| Brand | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AquaGuard | StressRelief | Water conditioner to reduce stress in new tank setup |
| AquaSafe | SettleIn | Conditioner to promote settling in for axolotls |
| SafeStart | StressEase | Stress-reducing water conditioner for new environments |
| AquaShield | SettleMentor | Promotes smooth transition and reduces stress |
| ClearCare | StressGuard | Water conditioner to ease stress during acclimation |
Clean Their Tank Once Every Week Or Two Weeks
The tank should be cleaned once a week or two weeks, depending on how big your axolotl is. If you have a large axolotl, you’ll want to clean their tank more often.
The best way to clean an axolotl tank is by using a gravel vacuum and removing any dead axolotls.
You should also remove any food that has been left in the water for too long. After cleaning the filter, change out 50% of the tank’s water with fresh water from another source (like your tap).
Feed Your Axolotl Well And Give It Plenty Of Room To Hunt Its Food
Once your axolotl is acclimated to its new environment, you need to make sure it’s fed well. An axolotl will eat anything that moves, so it’s important that you have live food available for them. Axolotls are carnivores and should be fed bloodworms, earthworms and other small invertebrates.
These can be purchased at most pet stores or ordered online. If you decide not to purchase live food at the store, remember that it will not last long after being shipped in the mail during winter months so plan ahead accordingly!
If an axolotl is hungry enough that it’ll forget its manners while hunting down prey (which happens quite often), make sure there’s plenty of room for them to hunt freely!
The best way to do this is by providing plenty of hiding spots around the tank like caves made out of terracotta pots lined with mosses or plastic plants where smaller creatures may hide until bigger ones come along looking for dinner!
Did you know that axolotls can play with toys? Find out how to provide enrichment and engage your axolotls in our engaging article: Do axolotls play with toys?
Give Your Axolotl Space From Other Animals Or Pets That Could Harm It
You always want to give your axolotl plenty of space and keep it away from other animals or pets that could harm it.
Axolotls can be territorial, so they may attack other animals if they get too close. For example, dogs and cats are usually too big for an axolotl’s mouth to fit around (and the same goes for the opposite), but most rodents (rats, mice) are small enough that an axolotl could swallow one whole!
Keep in mind that if you want a pet rodent in addition to your axolotl friend, you should either get two different species or ensure that there is plenty of space between them so neither animal feels threatened by the other.
Another reason why you should keep your axolotls separate from other pets: there’s no telling what diseases may be transmitted between species if they’re allowed contact with each other! If you’re concerned about this possibility then consider keeping all animals apart until after acclimation has been completed successfully
Get Your Axolotl Some Good Hiding Spots And Places To Rest In Its Tank
Before you introduce your axolotl to its new home, it’s important that you provide it with a few hiding spots and places to rest.
The axolotls like to hide in plants and caves, so be sure that you have plenty of these for them. They also need somewhere dry where they can rest without being bothered by other animals or people.
If there are other fish in the tank with your axolotl, make sure there’s no way for them to escape from their hiding places when feeding time comes around!
Creating the ideal habitat for your axolotls is crucial during the acclimation process. Explore the importance of using a lid for axolotl tanks in our helpful guide: Do axolotls need a lid?
Conclusion
Remember, it’s important to keep your axolotl healthy and happy. That way, you can enjoy watching it grow up into a beautiful adult!
Take care of your pet by checking in with us for more tips on how to take care of an axolotl. We also have a handy dandy list of everything you need for setting up an aquarium environment that won’t stress out your little friend (or yourself).
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on setting up and caring for an axolotl tank:
How to Set Up an Axolotl Tank: A comprehensive guide on setting up a suitable tank for axolotls, including information on water parameters, filtration, and tank decorations.
How to Put an Axolotl in a New Tank: This article provides step-by-step instructions and tips for safely transferring an axolotl to a new tank, ensuring a smooth transition for your aquatic friend.
The Perfect Axolotl Tank Set-Up: Step-by-Step Guide 2022: A detailed and up-to-date guide that walks you through the process of creating an ideal habitat for axolotls, covering tank size, substrate, lighting, and more.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about axolotl care:
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Axolotls should be fed around two to three times a week. It’s important to monitor their feeding habits and adjust the frequency as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
What water temperature is ideal for axolotls?
Axolotls thrive in cool water temperatures between 60°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C). It’s crucial to maintain a consistent and suitable temperature to ensure their well-being.
Do axolotls require a filter in their tank?
Yes, axolotls benefit from having a filtration system in their tank to maintain water quality. A filter helps remove waste and keeps the water clean, promoting a healthier environment for the axolotls.
Can axolotls live together in the same tank?
Axolotls are generally solitary creatures and prefer to live alone. Housing multiple axolotls in the same tank can lead to territorial disputes and stress. It’s best to provide each axolotl with its own separate space.
How often should I clean the axolotl tank?
Regular tank maintenance is crucial for the health of your axolotls. It’s recommended to perform partial water changes every one to two weeks, while keeping an eye on ammonia and nitrite levels. Additionally, cleaning the tank decorations and filter periodically helps maintain a clean and healthy environment.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.