Axolotls are pretty unique creatures. They’re strange, aquatic salamanders that live only in lakes and ponds in Mexico. They’re also one of the most popular pets you can choose from if you want to start your own aquarium.
But how big does an axolotl need to be before it needs its own tank? What size tank should I get for my axolotl? Will two axolotls fit into one tank together?
There are so many questions about these animals that it’s hard to know what information is real and which isn’t!
Well, don’t worry—we’ve got all the answers here in this comprehensive guide on choosing the right size aquarium for your axolotl:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Determining the appropriate tank size is crucial for the well-being of a full-grown axolotl. |
| Axolotls require spacious tanks to accommodate their size and allow for their natural behaviors. |
| The recommended tank size for a full-grown axolotl is a minimum of 20 gallons. |
| Providing a larger tank offers more room for axolotls to swim, explore, and thrive. |
| Regular tank maintenance and water changes are essential to keep the axolotl’s environment clean and healthy. |
| Monitoring water temperature and ensuring it stays within the suitable range is important for axolotls’ well-being. |
| Axolotls can be kept together in the same tank, but sufficient space and hiding spots should be provided. |
| Proper care, including appropriate tank size, contributes to the overall health and happiness of axolotls. |
What Size Tank Does A Full Grown Axolotl Need?
The size of the tank depends on the size of your axolotl. An adult male or female should be given at least 15-20 gallons, with an ideal depth of 11 inches and a width of at least 20 inches. This allows enough room for swimming and exploring while still making sure that the water stays clean and healthy.
If you’re only housing one axolotl, then a 15 gallon tank may be large enough; however if you’re keeping multiple axolotls together in one tank or if they’re particularly active you’ll want to get something bigger than this.
There are many different types of aquariums available on the market today so feel free to use whatever suits your needs best!
Determining the ideal tank size for your full-grown axolotl is crucial for its well-being. Our expert advice on what size tank axolotls need will help you provide the perfect aquatic habitat.
How Big Is The Largest Axolotl That Can Live In A Tank?
The largest axolotl that can live in a tank is 38 cm long. The smallest axolotls are just over 2cm when they hatch, but grow to between 10-20 cm over the first year of their life.
In terms of size, an aquarium should be at least 20 gallons for each adult axolotl you keep in it. If you have more than one adult axolotl, then you’re going to need 30 gallons per adult animal.
What Is The Best Size Tank For An Axolotl?
The best size tank for an axolotl is a 20 gallon tank. This size is large enough to provide your axolotl with plenty of room to swim around, but it’s not so big that you can’t keep up with cleaning and maintenance duties.
The 20-gallon tank should be at least 10 inches deep, 20 inches long and 10 inches wide.
| Axolotl Size | Tank Size Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | 10 gallons |
| Sub-Adult | 20 gallons |
| Full-Grown | 40 gallons or larger |
How Much Water Should Be In An Axolotl Tank?
The minimum amount of water you should have in your tank is 10 gallons. If you have 10 gallons, then it’s best to keep your axolotl at least 15 gallons.
However, if you want to go all out and get the most out of your aquarium experience, it’s ideal to have a 20-gallon aquarium that can hold up to two adults or more depending on their size and how many fish are in there with them.
Creating a comfortable and enriching environment is essential for your axolotl’s happiness. Explore our recommendations on what to put in an axolotl’s tank to ensure your pet’s tank is filled with everything it needs.
How Deep Should An Axolotl Tank Be?
Axolotls need to be able to swim, so your tank needs to be deep enough for them to do so. The depth of the tank will depend on the size of your axolotl and how many you plan on keeping in there with them.
Axolotls can’t climb, so make sure you have either a lid or something else that will keep them from escaping when cleaning out the aquarium.
What Temperature Should You Keep An Axolotl At?
The temperature should be between 16-18 degrees Celsius (60-64 degrees Fahrenheit). This does vary slightly depending on the season.
If you want to keep an axolotl as a pet, it’s important that you maintain a constant temperature in your tank so that it doesn’t fluctuate greatly from one day to the next.
Should You Heat Or Cool Your Axolotl Tank?
When it comes to keeping your axolotl tank at the correct temperature, there’s no need to worry! Axolotls need a water temperature of 20-28 degrees Celsius (68-82 degrees Fahrenheit). If you don’t have an aquarium thermometer, you can get one for about $10 on Amazon.
The best way to keep this specific temperature is using a heater. Some people will use both a heater and cooler in their tank; however, we do not recommend doing this because it may be too hot or cold for your axolotl.
| Temperature Range | Heating/Cooling Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 60°F – 68°F (15°C-20°C) | No heating or cooling needed |
| Below 60°F (15°C) | Use a reliable aquarium heater |
| Above 68°F (20°C) | Employ a cooling system or chiller |
What Is The Ideal Temperature For An Axolotl To Live In?
The ideal temperature range for an axolotl to live in is between 15 degrees Celsius and 20degrees Celsius (60-64 Fahrenheit).
If the temperature gets too high, they can go into shock and die. You should also make sure that your tank has a tight lid so that no other pets or bugs can get into it or escape from it.
Understanding the average size of axolotls is key to determining their tank requirements. Learn more about the size of axolotls and provide your aquatic friend with an appropriately sized habitat.
Should You Use A Heater Or Cooler For Your Axolotl Tank?
If your room is cold and your tank is kept in a room with no external heat source, then you should use a heater. It is also possible that when you put an axolotl in a tank with an outside temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68 ° F), they will suffer from stress due to being too cold.
If this happens, you can use a thermometer to check the temperature inside your tank against the ambient temperature outside it. This will help avoid having to make any changes after setting everything up initially.
If your room has a constant temperature of more than 20 °C (68 ° F) or has high levels of humidity, then we recommend using a cooler instead of a heater; otherwise there could be problems such as bacterial growth on the surface of their skin which might lead them rejecting food sources and ultimately killing themselves off by not eating anything else besides algae anymore since it contains nutrients needed for survival.”
How Often Should You Change The Water In Your Axolotl’s Tank?
How often you need to change the water depends on a few things:
The size of your tank. The bigger the tank, the less often you’ll have to change it (although this isn’t always true).
For example, if you have an aquarium that’s 30 gallons or larger, then even if there are 6 axolotls in it that won’t require daily changes; however, if your tank is smaller than 10 gallons and has just one or two axolotls living in it then daily changes will be necessary.
How many axolotls do you have? If there’s only one or two small ones then weekly maintenance may suffice but as soon as more than 3-4 get added into a container at once it becomes necessary for more frequent cleaning sessions due to increased waste levels being produced by all those hungry mouths needing feeding everyday!
Axolotls can grow to various sizes, and accommodating their growth is vital for their well-being. Discover insights on the size axolotls can grow to and ensure your tank is spacious enough to support their development.
How Much Should You Change The Water When You Clean Out An Axolotl’s Tank?
If your aquarium is 10 gallons or less, change 25% of the water every week. If it’s larger than 10 gallons, reduce that number by 25%. So if you have a 20-gallon aquarium, change 12.5% of the water each week.
If possible and affordable (if not affordable then consider getting an external filter), use tap water heated to between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit when changing out your axolotl’s tank. You can also add chlorine remover if necessary.
Rinse off any decorations with hot tap water before placing them back in the tank with new substrate and decorations – this helps keep algae from forming on them while they’re drying out after being cleaned thoroughly in plain tap water without soap or detergent (which might irritate some species).
| Tank Size | Water Change Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 gallons | Change 20-25% of the water during cleaning |
| 20-40 gallons | Change 25-30% of the water during cleaning |
| Over 40 gallons | Change 30-50% of the water during cleaning |
Can You Put More Than One Axolotl In A Single Aquarium?
If you want to put more than one axolotl in a tank, then it’s important that you’re able to provide enough space for them. Axolotls are territorial animals so they need enough room inside their tanks to separate themselves from each other.
There is no exact number of axolotls that can be put in a single aquarium. The minimum amount of space required by your pet axolotls will depend on the size of your tank, its shape and whether or not it has any features such as an island or cave. The general rule is: “the bigger the better”.
If you want two adult males then ideally they should have a large aquarium with plenty of plants for them to hide under so that they don’t fight each other over territory.
Proper care is essential for keeping your axolotl healthy and happy. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to care for your axolotl to learn essential tips and techniques for providing the best possible care to your aquatic companion.
Conclusion
The size of the tank doesn’t really matter as long as it’s big enough for your axolotl to swim around comfortably. Just make sure that you keep an eye on how much waste there is in the water, and change it often so it doesn’t become too dirty.
If you have more than one axolotl then a larger tank would be good since they will need more space to swim around without bumping into each other all the time!
Further Reading
What is the Right Tank Size for an Axolotl?: Discover the appropriate tank size requirements for your axolotl and ensure its comfort and well-being.
Axolotl Care Guide: Learn everything you need to know about caring for axolotls, including tank setup, feeding, and maintenance.
Axolotl Tank Size, Setup, and Accessories: Get expert insights on setting up the ideal tank for your axolotl, including recommended accessories for a thriving aquatic habitat.
Now, here’s the FAQs section in Markdown language:
FAQs
What tank size is suitable for a full-grown axolotl?
The tank size for a full-grown axolotl should be adequately spacious to allow for its movement and growth. It is recommended to provide a tank with a minimum size of 20 gallons.
Can I use a smaller tank for my axolotl?
While a smaller tank may be used temporarily for juvenile axolotls, it is essential to upgrade to a larger tank as they grow. Axolotls require sufficient space for swimming and to maintain their overall health.
How often should I clean the axolotl tank?
Regular tank maintenance is crucial to keep the water clean and suitable for your axolotl. It is generally recommended to perform partial water changes every 1-2 weeks and thoroughly clean the tank every 3-4 months.
What temperature should the axolotl tank be?
Axolotls prefer cooler water temperatures ranging from 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C). It is important to maintain a stable temperature within this range to ensure the well-being of your axolotl.
Can I keep multiple axolotls in the same tank?
Yes, axolotls can be kept together in the same tank; however, it is essential to ensure sufficient space and provide separate hiding spots for each axolotl. Monitoring their behavior and ensuring compatibility is crucial when housing multiple axolotls.
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.