If you’re reading this, you probably already know how awesome axolotls are. But if not, let me tell you: they’re pretty great. They never grow up and they never die!
That’s right, these little critters can live in a tank for decades without any problems or stress on their part. And if you want to keep an adult axolotl healthy and happy for years to come, it helps to know what it takes to care for them properly.
So here are some tips from one owner who has been successfully raising these fascinating creatures for over 30 years:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Proper care is crucial for the well-being of your axolotl. |
| Creating a suitable habitat with the right tank setup is important. |
| Providing a balanced diet is essential for their nutrition. |
| Regular water quality maintenance is necessary. |
| Understanding their unique behaviors and needs is vital. |
| Monitoring their health and seeking veterinary care when needed. |
Add Some Plants To Your Tank
If your axolotl is feeling a little lonely, you can add some plants to their tank. Plants are good for helping to clean the water and keeping it oxygenated and healthy. They also provide hiding places for your axolotl to feel safe and secure in his or her environment.
Loneliness can have a significant impact on the well-being of your axolotl. Discover the signs and solutions to address this issue in our insightful article on can axolotls get lonely based on real experiences from axolotl owners.
Set Up A Filter, But Don’t Turn It On Too High
If you have a large tank, don’t use a filter. You see, when it comes to filtering, bigger is better. The more surface area provided by your filter, the better it can remove debris from your water and keep your aquatic friends happy and healthy.
A small filter will become clogged with algae and bacteria in no time at all and if that happens, then the excess waste will end up back in the water where it belongs!
If you have a medium-sized tank (or even if you don’t), make sure not to turn on your filters too high.
That’s right: even though they may seem like they’re helping out by circulating more oxygen throughout their surroundings, too much circulation can actually cause stress on certain aquatic species who might not be used to such rapid changes in temperature or salinity levels (like axolotls).
| Filter Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Low | Provides gentle water flow for your aquarium |
| Moderate | Maintains optimal water circulation |
| High | Removes debris and maintains water clarity |
| Custom | Allows precise adjustment based on your needs |
Get Your Hands On Some Good Quality Water Conditioner And Use It
Water conditioner is a must. It keeps your axolotl’s water safe, clean, and healthy for your pet. You can find it in any pet store or aquarium supply store.
There are many different brands and types of water conditioners out there—some will say they’re better than others (they aren’t). Just buy one that says “for aquatic life” on the label, and you’re good to go!
To use water conditioner:
- Fill up your axolotl’s tank with fresh tap water that has been treated with conditioner (it may take several hours).
- Place your axolotl in their tank while the conditioned tap water slowly mixes with the old tap water in their tank. This will ensure that they don’t get shocked by coldness or any sudden changes in temperature when you transfer them into their new home.
Did you know that axolotls can experience depression? Learn about the factors that contribute to their emotional well-being and find practical tips in our comprehensive guide on can axolotls get depressed, drawing insights from the experiences of passionate axolotl owners.
Start With The Right Size Tank
You’ll want to start with the right size tank. Axolotls can grow up to 12 inches long, so they need a lot of space to swim around and grow. The more room they have, the healthier they will be!
If you’re not sure how big your axolotl will get in adulthood (and if you don’t know how big it is now), then I would say that 30 gallons is a good place to start for an adult axolotl.
A 20 gallon tank would probably be too small for most adult axolots and may lead them to feel stressed in their environment. They like large spaces where they can feel comfortable swimming around without feeling cramped or confined by walls or furniture surrounding their habitat.
Decorate Your Tank Carefully
When decorating your tank, first make sure to stay away from any sharp objects. Although they may be made of glass, they can still break and cause damage to your axolotl. In addition, avoid using anything that could potentially fall into the tank.
If you have plants or rocks that require water in their soil or mossy base (which often does), find a way to secure these items on top of the tank so there is no chance it will fall into the water if bumped or shaken by accident.
You also want to avoid putting anything electrical in or near your axolotl’s habitat; this includes wires and cords from lamps and appliances such as laptops and TVs that might create electricity when plugged in nearby an aquarium
With sensitive electronics inside it especially since those who keep Axolotls as pets tend not realize how much more sensitive these creatures are than other amphibians!
| Decoration Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Live Plants | Enhance water quality and provide oxygen |
| Artificial Decor | Add visual appeal and create hiding spots |
| Caves and Rocks | Create shelter and territorial boundaries |
| Driftwood | Release tannins and create natural look |
| Substrate | Promote natural behaviors and aesthetics |
Get A Thermometer
Axolotls are particularly sensitive to temperature, so it’s important to check the temperature of your water regularly. To do this, you’ll need a thermometer. If you don’t have one already, they’re available at many pet stores and pharmacies.
Don’t worry keeping your axolotl healthy isn’t too difficult!
If you’re worried about not being able to measure the water temperature accurately enough, there are other options.
Some people use aquarium heaters that can be set using an adjustable dial (you will still need a thermometer for best results), while others keep their axolotl tanks outside in the summer and indoors in winter so that these natural changes can help regulate their body temperatures more efficiently than any artificial heater would be capable of doing on its own.
Feeding your axolotl a balanced diet is essential for their health. In our informative article on can axolotls eat red worms, we delve into the nutritional value of red worms and offer expert advice on incorporating them into your axolotl’s diet.
Commit To A Regular Cleaning Schedule And Stick To It
Regular cleaning is a crucial part of axolotl care, but it can also be a bit intimidating. There are two things you need to remember:
How often do I need to clean the tank? This depends on your tank size and how many axolotls you have. If your tank is small and only has one axolotl in it, then you’ll probably want to clean it once every couple of weeks or so.
But if your tank is large and contains several axolots (or other fish), then it might be beneficial for you to clean the enclosure more frequently maybe twice a week or even every day!
What tools should I use for cleaning? You don’t need any fancy equipment for this task—just grab some old cotton t-shirts that no longer fit well (so they won’t get stained) and some paper towels from the kitchen.
The t-shirts will let us wipe away debris while still being gentle enough not to scratch our animal’s delicate skin; meanwhile, paper towels will hold any excess water so we don’t flood our floor!
Make Sure You Have Excellent Lighting
In order to keep your axolotl happy and healthy, you’ll need to make sure you have excellent lighting. This is because they are nocturnal animals who need a lot of light in order to stay active during the day.
The best type of bulb for this purpose is an LED bulb, which provides specific wavelengths that simulate daylight so that your axolotl can be active when it needs to be without having access to natural sunlight.
Make sure that when choosing an LED bulb for your aquarium (which we’ll discuss below), it has at least enough watts for 1 square foot of tank space per gallon of water within that tank.
The exact amount of wattage needed depends on how much light is present in both their native habitat and where they live now; however, generally speaking the more wattage there is going into something like an aquarium with less than 7 gallons then the clearer everything will look inside it!
| Lighting Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| LED Lights | Energy-efficient and customizable settings |
| Fluorescent | Provides bright and even illumination |
| Full Spectrum | Mimics natural sunlight for plant growth |
| Smart Lighting | Programmable settings for automated control |
| Brand-Specific | Brand-specific lighting options and features |
Don’t Put Anything In Their Tank That Could Hurt Them
You should not put anything in the tank that could hurt them, like rocks or gravel. They are really only safe to have one plastic plant and some fake fish.
You should also be careful not to put anything sharp in there because it can poke them on their soft skin, which would hurt them. The same goes for any other objects that could get stuck in their gills (the breathing organs).
Looking to diversify your axolotl’s diet? Consider superworms! Our detailed guide on can axolotls eat superworms provides valuable insights from veterinarians, including feeding recommendations and precautions to ensure a healthy diet for your axolotl.
Axolotl Care Is Not Difficult, But It May Take Some Trial And Error!
Axolotl care is not difficult, but it may take some trial and error! You need to be willing to learn from your mistakes and make adjustments along the way.
You will also need to do some research, as there are many things that are not in their natural environment. Some information is available online, but there are also many good books on the subject.
This species has been kept since ancient times in Mexico City and Lake Xochimilco by people who live near these bodies of water.
These animals have been bred for generations for both scientific research (by scientists) and for pets (by pet owners).
Axolotls Don’t Need A Big Tank
Axolotls don’t need a big tank.
In fact, they can live in a small aquarium the minimum size is 10 gallons and you’ll need more water if you want to keep other fish in the tank with them.
If your axolotl lives alone in its own little tank, they’ll be happy as long as the temperature is right (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit) and their water has oxygenation.
Make Sure Your Tank Has A Secure Lid
You should make sure your tank has a secure lid. Lids can be made of glass, plastic or metal, but the most important thing is that the lid is secure and won’t come off accidentally. Make sure there’s a locking mechanism on your lid to ensure it doesn’t loosen over time and allow water to leak out of your tank.
The weight of all that water may seem like no big deal on land, but in the confines of an aquarium where gravity is at work it could spell disaster for one or more axolotls if they aren’t contained properly.
Creating the ideal habitat for your axolotl is crucial for their well-being. Find expert recommendations and valuable insights on what you should put in an axolotl’s tank in our comprehensive guide, covering tank setup, decorations, and essential equipment for a comfortable and safe environment.
Axolotls Can Get Sick Easily In Dirty Water
Axolotls are vulnerable to disease. Their immune systems are very weak, and they can get sick easily in dirty water. The most common axolotl diseases are swim bladder disease (also known as SBD), fin rot, and bacterial infections.
Swim bladder disease: This is a very common ailment that affects male axolotls more than females because the males have a larger air sac on their neck that sometimes gets entangled in their gills or fins when they’re swimming around.
If your axolotl has this condition it’s important to keep him separate from any other animals so he doesn’t infect them with his weakened immune system!
Fin rot: Often caused by poor nutrition or rough handling during shipping/rental periods after buying an animal at pet stores/flea markets/etc., fin rot is usually not fatal but will make your pet less attractive if you don’t treat it right away!
It’s important not to let this go too long without treatment because once it starts getting worse then there’s nothing left for you do but euthanize them off yourself (which we advise against doing unless absolutely necessary).
Bacterial infections: These types of infections occur whenever any part of your body touches something dirty enough (like soil) which has bacteria living inside it already;
this includes lakebeds where some people think would be safe places for amphibians like these guys being kept outdoors
Conclusion
Okay, enough with the jokes. If you’re thinking about getting an axolotl, or want to learn more about caring for one, then this guide is for you! In it we’ll cover everything from setting up a vivarium to feeding and cleaning your new pet.
Further Reading
WikiHow: Care for an Axolotl: A comprehensive guide providing step-by-step instructions and valuable tips on how to care for your axolotl, covering topics such as tank setup, feeding, and general care.
Pet Circle: Axolotl Care Guide: An informative guide that explores the essential aspects of axolotl care, including habitat setup, feeding, and health maintenance, offering valuable insights and expert advice.
Modest Fish: Axolotl Care: A detailed resource providing comprehensive information on axolotl care, including tank requirements, feeding habits, and common health issues, helping you ensure the well-being of your axolotl.
These additional resources can provide more in-depth information and varied perspectives on axolotl care.
And here’s the FAQs section with five questions and answers:
FAQs
Can axolotls be kept in the same tank as other fish?
Yes, axolotls can be kept with other fish, but caution must be exercised. Axolotls have a tendency to nip at smaller fish, so it’s best to choose tank mates that are similar in size and won’t pose a threat to each other.
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Axolotls should be fed two to three times a week. It’s important not to overfeed them, as excess food can lead to water quality issues. Monitor their appetite and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly.
Can axolotls regrow their limbs?
Yes, axolotls have remarkable regenerative abilities and can regrow lost limbs, gills, and even parts of their spinal cord. This unique ability makes them a fascinating species to observe and study.
What size tank does a full-grown axolotl need?
A full-grown axolotl typically requires a tank with a capacity of at least 20 gallons (75 liters). Providing ample space is important to ensure their comfort and well-being.
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls have a relatively long lifespan compared to other amphibians, typically living for 10 to 15 years in captivity. With proper care and a suitable environment, they can live even longer.
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.