What Should I Put In My Axolotls Tank? (Vet Answer)

Axolotls are fun pets to have around the house. They’re easy to keep, they don’t require a lot of space and they’re very friendly with humans. An axolotl tank can be setup in no time and it doesn’t require much maintenance either.

It’s important that you know what should be put in your axolotl’s tank before setting it up so that they remain healthy while in their new home.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from water temperature needs to substrate options for your axolotl’s tank! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what’s needed for your axolotl’s new home!

AXOLOTL CARE GUIDE | Housing, Feeding, & Tank Mates

Takeaways
Proper tank setup is crucial for axolotl care.
Provide a suitable tank size for your axolotl.
Use a filtration system to maintain water quality.
Include hiding spots and plants for enrichment.
Use a substrate that is safe for axolotls.
Maintain appropriate water temperature and pH levels.
Feed your axolotl a balanced diet.
Regularly monitor water parameters and perform maintenance.
Avoid using chemicals or decorations that may harm axolotls.
Research and consult with a vet for specific care requirements.

Table of Contents

3 Substrate Alternatives For Axolotls

There are many different types of substrate that can be used in your axolotl tank. If you want a simple and clean look, then sand or gravel is the best choice because they are the least expensive. Sand is also the safest option if you have kids that may be playing in or near your aquarium.

These substrates will allow for easy cleaning and maintenance, but they do not have any special benefits for your axolotl.

If you want something more natural looking, then consider using mulm (the leftover waste from plants) or moss as a substrate instead.

Mulm comes from mulch products like coco coir, peat moss, coir fiber and more! It’s an organic material that can help with beneficial bacteria growth within your aquariums filter system too!

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for the well-being of your axolotl. Our comprehensive guide on how to care for your axolotl provides valuable tips and instructions to ensure a healthy and thriving pet.

Axolotl Tank Heater

One thing you should never do is put a heater in your axolotl tank. This can cause way too much stress for your axolotls, and it will also cause them to produce too much heat.

Axolotls need a water temperature that’s between 64°F and 75°F (18-24°C), but if you add a heater to the tank, their body temperature could rise above 85°F (30°C).

If you keep your axolotl tank at room temperature instead of keeping it up with a heater, this will help prevent them from getting too hot when they’re inside their habitat.

Heater Brand	Description
AquaTop	Reliable and adjustable heater with temperature control.
Fluval	Energy-efficient heater with advanced safety features.
Eheim	Precise and durable heater for consistent temperature regulation.
Hygger	Compact and submersible heater with a digital display.
Aqueon	Affordable and easy-to-use heater for small to medium tanks.

Aquarium Filter For Axolotls

If you’re looking to keep your axolotls in an aquarium, you’ll need to make sure that the tank has a reliable filter. Axolotls can get sick if the water in their tank isn’t clean and free of debris, so it’s important to keep their environment as clean as possible.

There are many different types of filters available for aquariums and choosing one for your axolotl will depend on factors such as whether or not you want a high-quality filter or something more affordable.

The best type of filter for axolotls is one that keeps water moving through its system with minimal waste being released back into the water column.

You should also consider whether or not your chosen model features automatic cleaning features because these can be helpful when trying to maintain optimum conditions inside an aquarium housing several animals at once

Creating the ideal habitat for your axolotl is essential, and the tank size plays a significant role. Learn about the appropriate tank requirements in our article on what size tank does a full-grown axolotl need to provide a comfortable living space for your aquatic friend.

What Size Tank Do Axolotls Need?

To properly care for your axolotls, you’ll need a tank that’s at least 10 gallons in size. That said, the bigger the better! A 20-gallon tank is ideal for an adult Axolotl and will also work well if you’re planning to breed them in the future. If you plan on breeding a pair or trio of axolots, then I would highly recommend getting a 30-gallon tank.

The most important thing to remember when purchasing a tank is that it MUST have an aquarium filter running 24/7 with both mechanical and chemical filtration media (activated charcoal) to remove harmful toxins from the water and keep your pet axolotl healthy.

Where Should The Fish Tank Be Kept?

You should also keep the tank in a room that is not drafty, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature. The ambient temperature of your home or office shouldn’t be too hot or cold either.

You should try to keep it around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), but you’ll find that axolotls are pretty resilient when it comes to their environmental preferences.

If you’re keeping an axolotl for its appearance alone, there’s no need to worry about lighting and ventilation axolotls won’t care if the room they live in is bright or dark, nor will they appreciate any extra fresh air beyond what flows through your building’s HVAC system.

However, if your goal is for your axolotl to thrive, then light and good ventilation are important factors for its health. Axolotls prefer moderate levels of humidity between 40% and 85%. This means that although they can survive dryer conditions than many other species of salamanders (which require high humidity), they may not look their best or carry on much activity under these conditions

Location	Description
Living Room	A central and visually appealing spot for your fish tank.
Bedroom	A tranquil and calming environment for both you and your fish.
Home Office	Enhance productivity and relaxation with a fish tank nearby.
Kitchen	Add a touch of nature and serenity to your culinary space.
Children’s Room	Encourage curiosity and learning with a fish tank as a focal point.

Plants For Your Axolotl’s Aquarium

You should remember that axolotls would love to have plants in their aquarium. There are several reasons why this is a good idea.

Plants help keep the water clean:

The leaves of aquatic plants remove some dissolved nutrients, such as ammonia, nitrate and phosphate from the water.

These nutrients can cause problems in your axolotl’s tank if they get too high. Plants can also absorb excess light energy that may cause algae growth to grow on rocks or decorations in your tank.

Plants provide a place for axolotls to hide:

Axolotls are shy animals so they like having places to hide when they feel threatened or stressed out.

You should make sure there are plenty of places for them to hide behind when you put your plant into the aquarium because otherwise it will just be floating around all day!

Maintaining a clean and balanced environment in your axolotl’s tank is crucial for their health. Explore the benefits of using moss balls and their role in water filtration in our informative post on are moss balls good for axolotls

Can My Axolotl Live Alone?

If you have a tank large enough for two axolotls, you can keep them together. You should be sure to check that the tank is big enough for both axolotls.

A size of 10 gallons per axolotl is ideal. If your tank is smaller than this, it’s possible for an aggressive axolotl to hurt or kill another axolotl in its territory.

A tank that’s too small also limits their ability to escape from each other when they get stressed out or annoyed by each other’s presence.

Option	Description
Solo	Axolotl lives alone in its tank without any tank mates.
Tank Mates	Axolotl cohabitates with compatible fish or aquatic species.
Community Tank	Axolotl lives in a tank with multiple tank mates from different species.

Is Overcrowding Okay?

Even though they are not as territorial as some other animals, axolotls still need space to swim and find a place to hide.

Overcrowding can lead to fighting, stress, and illness. You should never put two male axolotls together in the same tank because they will fight each other for dominance. In fact, it’s not a good idea to have more than one male per tank at all!

If you don’t want your axolotl to be lonely then you’ll need several tanks with different water parameters (temperature and pH levels).

Proper filtration is vital to keep your axolotl’s tank water clean and clear. Discover the advantages of using sponge filters and their effectiveness in our detailed article on are sponge filters good for axolotls to provide optimal filtration without harming your pet.

How Do I Clean My Axolotl’s Tank?

In addition to cleaning your axolotl’s water, you should also clean the tank. You should do this every week or so, depending on how much debris builds up inside the tank and whether your axolotl eats any of his food.

You can use a mild soap and water solution to clean the tank. Remember: Axolotls are amphibians, so they need to be kept at a constant temperature (72 degrees Fahrenheit) and in a humid environment (between 60% and 80%).

If you notice that your axolotl is panting often and staying at one end of his tank most of the time, it’s possible that he needs more humidity in his habitat you might want to consider investing in an aquarium heater for this purpose, as well as an automatic misting system for keeping things moist enough for him!

A well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the overall health of your axolotl. Explore our comprehensive guide on what you should feed axolotls to learn about suitable food options and feeding guidelines for your aquatic companion.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that it’s not easy to answer the question, “what should I put in my axolotls tank?” To be honest, there are many variables that make up this answer.

We’ve discussed some of them here: the size of your tank and how much filtration you need; what type of substrate material works best; whether or not an aquarium heater is necessary; etc. But at the end of the day, these are just guidelines.

You’ll need to experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for your pet!

FAQs

Can axolotls live in a regular fish tank?

Axolotls require specific tank conditions to thrive. While a regular fish tank can be used, it is important to ensure proper filtration, adequate space, and appropriate temperature for their well-being.

How often should I clean my axolotl’s tank?

Regular tank maintenance is crucial for axolotl health. Generally, performing partial water changes every 1-2 weeks and cleaning the tank substrate and decorations as needed will help maintain water quality.

Can axolotls be kept with other fish or animals?

Axolotls are best kept alone or with tank mates that won’t harm or stress them. They have specific needs and may attempt to eat smaller fish or animals, making it important to choose suitable companions carefully.

Do axolotls need light in their tank?

Axolotls are sensitive to bright light, so it’s best to provide them with subdued lighting. A low-intensity, indirect light source or natural ambient light is generally sufficient.

How often should I feed my axolotl?

Axolotls are opportunistic feeders and should be fed once a day, offering a diet appropriate for their size. It’s essential to monitor their feeding habits and adjust the quantity accordingly to prevent overfeeding and maintain their health.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

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.