Axolotls are amphibians native to Mexico. They’re easy to care for, and can live up to 20 years in captivity. This article will tell you everything you need to know about axolotl care, including what you should put in your tank!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Proper tank setup is essential for axolotls. |
| Provide appropriate tank size for axolotls. |
| Consider including hiding spots in the tank. |
| Use fine sand or bare-bottom substrate. |
| Maintain suitable water parameters for axolotls. |
| Ensure proper filtration and water circulation. |
| Avoid sharp or rough decorations that may harm axolotls. |
| Provide suitable lighting conditions for axolotls. |
| Feed axolotls a varied diet of live or frozen foods. |
| Regularly clean the tank to maintain water quality. |
3 Things To Put In A Axolotls Tank
So, what should you put in a axolotl tank?
Plants: If you have a large enough tank, plants can help make it look more natural and give your axolotls something to hide behind.
They will also provide them with some extra food sources. The best kinds of plants to use are ones that grow slowly so they don’t outgrow your tank too quickly (i.e., they take up lots of space).
Anubias is one example of this type of plant; it’s not too fast growing and has small leaves that won’t get eaten easily by the axolotls. You can also try mosses and ferns for the same reasons!
Snails: Snails are great because they eat algae off rocks, which helps keep them clean from all the waste products produced by your fish/snakes/etcetera living there as well as any other animals who might be living there (such as crabs).
These guys hunt for food 24 hours a day so make sure you have plenty available at all times – otherwise they’ll starve themselves trying their hardest but failing miserably at catching anything (which would mean death soon after)!
When it comes to caring for your axolotl, it’s crucial to provide the right environment. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to care for your axolotl to ensure your aquatic friend thrives in its tank.
How To Take Care Of An Axolotl
Now that you know what to put in an axolotl tank, let’s talk about some care tips. To take care of your axolotl is relatively easy. Here are some tips on caring for your pet:
Feeding – Axolotls eat worms, insects and crustaceans (like shrimp) that you can find at your local pet store. They should be fed once every few days or so depending on how much they eat.
Temperature – The temperature of the water needs to be kept between 70°F and 78°F with a pH level between 6 and 8 for optimal health, though this will vary based on the species of axolotl you have since each has different requirements regarding water temperature and pH levels in order to thrive in captivity.
Cleaning – It’s important to clean out their tanks regularly by changing half of the water every week or so unless they’re sick; this prevents diseases from spreading throughout your tank because there won’t be any ammonia buildup which makes it easier if one gets sick because there isn’t any waste products produced in the process so it won’t affect them as badly as if those were present
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Tank Setup | Provide appropriate tank size, filtration, and substrate. |
| Water Parameters | Maintain suitable temperature, pH, and water quality. |
| Feeding | Offer a varied diet of live or frozen foods. |
| Tank Maintenance | Regularly clean the tank and perform water changes. |
| Handling | Handle axolotls gently and minimize stress. |
| Health Monitoring | Watch for signs of illness and seek veterinary care when necessary. |
What Does A Axolotl Eat ?
Axolotls are carnivores and require a high protein diet. They should be fed with live food, frozen food, or pellets (not recommended).
Insects are an excellent choice of food for your axolotl as they contain all the nutrients they need to thrive. They will also help keep your tank clean by eating left over food and fish waste. You can purchase these at a local pet store or online.
Small earthworms are another great option for feeding axolots as they provide protein and calcium. If you don’t have access to live insects then frozen ones work well too!
Curious about what items are essential for an axolotl’s tank? Our experts have got you covered! Discover the top recommendations on what to put in your axolotl’s tank to create a safe and comfortable habitat.
What Should Not Be In A Axolotls Tank ?
You should not put these items in your axolotls aquarium:
- Fish or any other animals
- Plants
- Snails or other aquatic creatures. Axolotls are carnivores and will eat the snails, plants, or fish if you put them in their tank.
Chemical cleaners and soaps that could harm your axolotl. These can be toxic to them if they get into the water supply of your home.
It’s also important to avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine when cleaning out their tank as these can cause damage to their skin as well as kill bacteria that keep tanks healthy (this is why we recommend using an aquarium filter).
What Size Aquarium For An Axolotl
You can keep your axolotl in a 10 gallon or 20 gallon aquarium, but you need to make sure they have enough space. I recommend at least 30 gallons of water per axolotl if you want to be on the safe side.
However, this isn’t an exact science and other factors will come into play when choosing how big of an aquarium for your axolotl. For example:
Smaller tank sizes (under 15 gallons) are fine for small-sized axolotls that weigh less than 5 ounces (150 grams), but larger tanks are needed if you want to house more than one animal together. Larger tanks also give them more room for swimming around without bumping into each other as easily!
| Axolotl Size | Minimum Tank Size |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (2-4″) | 10 gallons (38 liters) |
| Subadult (4-6″) | 20 gallons (76 liters) |
| Adult (>6″) | 30 gallons (114 liters) |
| Pair of Adults | 40 gallons (151 liters) |
What Kind Of Heater For An Axolotl ?
The most common questions we get asked are about heaters. What kind of heater do I need? What size of heater should I use? How much wattage should my Axolotl tank have?
These are all good questions, but they can be difficult to answer as there are many different factors to consider when determining what kind of water temperature you’ll want in your aquarium.
Here’s some general information on the right kinds of aquarium heaters for axolotls:
Feeding axolotls the right diet is key to their well-being. Learn more about their nutritional needs and find expert advice on what you should feed axolotls to keep them healthy and happy in their tank.
Can I Feed My Axolotl Goldfish Or Guppies ?
Yes, axolotls eat goldfish and guppies.
However, these are not good pets for an axolotl tank because they will outgrow an axolotl quickly, giving you too many fish in your tank.
Also, a full-grown goldfish or guppy can be very aggressive toward the smaller and more delicate looking axolotl. If you really want to have some of these fish around with your axolotl, it is best to keep them in separate tanks so they don’t fight over food or territory.
How Big Do Axolotls Get?
You may have heard that axolotls can grow to be as large as 13 inches long. However, most never reach this size in captivity. They are carnivores and eat mostly earthworms, snails, and other small invertebrates.
As such, they are not suitable for a home aquarium as they will outgrow it quickly or die from lack of food.
If you’re interested in keeping a pet axolotl (and there’s no reason not to be), you should make sure its tank is big enough for the adult animal to live comfortably and safely for its entire lifespan about 20 years.
How Long Do They Live ?
It’s a common misconception that axolotls are short-lived creatures, but this is not the case. In fact, they can live to be 15 years old! The oldest known axolotl in captivity lived for 30 years and was still quite healthy at that age.
However, it should be noted that the average lifespan for an axolotl in captivity is only about 10-15 years (the oldest we’ve ever heard of being 30).
On top of this amazing longevity, their resistance to disease and immunity from toxins make them ideal candidates for medical applications.
A study conducted at the University of Guadalajara found that injecting human cancer cells into axolotls caused no effect on their health whatsoever in other words: cancer cells don’t seem to affect them at all.
Other studies suggest that axolotls might also help reduce inflammation without side effects like stomach upset or diarrhea like some other anti-inflammatory drugs do.
Since scientists have been able to successfully reverse muscle atrophy in injured mice using skin grafts from axolotls’ regenerative tissue, there may also be applications for human medicine down the road (although it will likely first require much more research).
Proper filtration is vital for maintaining water quality in an axolotl’s tank. Discover why sponge filters are a great choice for axolotl owners in our informative article on using sponge filters for axolotls and ensure optimal conditions for your aquatic companion.
What Temperature Should The Water Be ?
In addition to providing a stable environment, you also have to make sure that the temperature of the water is suitable for axolotls.
Axolotls are cold-blooded animals, so their tank needs to be kept at a temperature that is comfortable for them. They can be kept in water that is between 18–23 degrees Celsius (64–73 degrees Fahrenheit).
How Often Should You Clean Their Tank?
How often you should clean your axolotl’s tank depends on the size of the tank, and how many axolotls you have in it.
A large and crowded tank will need cleaning more than a small and sparsely populated one. You should try to clean your axolotl’s tank once a week, but if this is not possible then every two weeks is fine too.
When you are cleaning their tank make sure that any dead axolotls are removed from the water as soon as possible, as they can make it very unhealthy for other animals in there (as well as yourself!).
Uneaten food and uneaten worms should also be removed straight away so that they do not rot inside of your pet’s habitat!
| Tank Cleaning Frequency | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Partial Water Changes | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Gravel Vacuuming | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Filter Maintenance | Monthly |
| Tank Deep Cleaning | Every 2-3 months |
What Do Axolotls Look Like, And Where Can You Find Them ?
Axolotls are amphibians that come from Mexico, where they’re thought to have originated. They’re critically endangered, with only two lakes in the wild left where they can be found. Some people keep them as pets, but others also keep them in aquariums and zoos.
They are unique because they are the only species in their genus (Ambystoma mexicanum). They do not produce venom like other salamanders or newts do; instead, their skin secretes a substance that causes irritation if it comes into contact with human skin or eyes (it’s not deadly). Their scientific name means “water monster” or “water dog.”
Are They Easy To Breed ?
Axolotls are one of the easiest animals to breed in captivity.
The most important thing is to keep an eye out for your axolotls’ behaviour. Axolotls can be very shy, so you’ll need to watch them closely during breeding season and at night time when they’re most active.
If your axolotl spends hours swimming around with other axolotls and trying to mate with them, then it’s probably ready for procreation! If you notice any changes in your animal’s appetite, size or behaviour then you’ll know that something is going on!
Ensuring the right tank size is essential for the well-being of your axolotl. Find out the appropriate dimensions for a fully grown axolotl in our article on what size tank does a full-grown axolotl need to provide ample space for your fascinating amphibian friend.
Are They Dangerous Or Harmful In Any Way ? Do They Bite Or Sting?
Axolotls are not dangerous or harmful in any way. They do not bite or sting, and they are not poisonous or aggressive. Axolotls also do not have sharp teeth, a toxin in their skin, or venom that they can use to hurt people.
The only time an axolotl might bite someone is if it is scared because it has been handled too much by humans (or another animal). If you want your axolotl to live longer and be healthy, handle him/her as little as possible!
Further Reading
6 Fun Accessories for an Axolotl Tank: Explore creative and enjoyable accessories to enhance your axolotl tank, providing enrichment for your aquatic companion.
Axolotl Tank Setup: A Complete Guide: Dive into a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of setting up an axolotl tank, including filtration, substrate, and decorations.
Axolotl Tank Requirements and Care: Discover the essential tank requirements for axolotls, including water temperature, water quality, and tank size, ensuring optimal conditions for your axolotl’s well-being.
FAQs
How often should I clean an axolotl’s tank?
Regular tank maintenance is crucial for keeping your axolotl healthy. Aim to perform partial water changes of around 25% every week to maintain water quality and remove excess waste.
Can axolotls live with other fish?
Axolotls are best kept alone or with tank mates that are compatible with their needs. Avoid housing them with fish that may nip at their gills or with species that produce excessive waste, which could compromise water quality.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily feed on live or frozen foods. Their diet includes items such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish. It’s important to provide a varied diet to meet their nutritional requirements.
Do axolotls need a heater in their tank?
Axolotls are cold-water creatures and prefer temperatures between 60°F and 68°F (15°C and 20°C). In most cases, a heater is unnecessary unless the room temperature drops below their preferred range.
Can axolotls breathe air?
While axolotls primarily breathe through their gills, they have lungs and can occasionally come to the water’s surface to breathe air. This behavior is more common in stressed or oxygen-deprived situations.
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.