Let’s talk substrate…..
Axolotls under 4 inches will need to be kept in a tank with a bare bottom. Axolotls 4 inches (head to end of tail) and above can be kept on FINE sand, rocks larger than the size of their head, lego plates, or a bare bottom tank. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should an axolotl ever be housed in a tank with gravel or small rocks.
Some axolotl owners like to use “play sand” since it is considered safe for aquariums. Personally, I have found the play sand to be very dusty and often contains small particles of rocks. My preference is pool filter sand, specifically, the Mystic White Swimming Pool filter sand. I find it to be considerably less dusty than playground sand and it is a nice fine texture.
Axolotl water cycling shopping list:
Seachem Prime or API Tapwater Conditioner (NOT STRESS COAT-the aloe in API Stress Coat is toxic to axolotls)
API Master Freshwater Test Kit
Beneficial Bacteria source such as API “Quick start”, Fritz Zyme 7, or Seachem Stability. (You can use a seeded filter in lieu of the bottled bacteria source or in conjunction with the bottled bacteria source.)
Dr Tim’s Ammonia (can be purchased on Amazon). Not always needed with a seeded filter.
A filter rated for double your tank size, or multiple filters that together will filter double your tank size.
(When choosing a filter, remember axolotls do not like a strong flow. Sponge filters are an inexpensive option and are great at housing your beneficial bacteria source.) For mechanical filtration, a canister filter or hang on back filter work great.
Pro tip: Use a baffle (can be found on Etsy) to lessen the flow of a hang on back filter.
The Whisper IQ (found on Amazon) hang on back (HOB) filter in 45 gallons or lower has an extremely adjustable rate flow. I have found the 60 gallon filter is harder to adjust without a baffle.
Cycling your tank is a MUST!!!
What is cycling a tank and why is it so important?
Having a cycled tank ensures your axolotl will not get ammonia burns, or worse from unhealthy water. I recommend the API Freshwater Master Test Kit for testing your water. These can be purchased on Amazon or from most pet stores.
Typical cycling time can range from 4 weeks to several months. An easy way to speed up this process is to purchase a “seeded” filter that has been running in an established tank for at least 4 weeks. Adding the seeded filter to your aquarium can have your tank cycled and ready in less than half the time, or within a few days.
You cannot add an axolotl to an aquarium until you are SURE the tank has been cycled.
Even with a cycled tank, you will need to add a dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime (purchased on Amazon or in pet stores).
What about tank decor?
Axolotls love to “hide.”
Inexpensive options include PVC pipe (clean with hot water and vinegar solution before putting in tank).
Terra Cotta pots turned sideways is another inexpensive option. To customize, use aquarium glue and add large river rocks onto the PVC pipe or Terra Cotta.
Most aquarium safe decor that is purchased in pet stores is okay. You should check for sharp edges before purchasing. My hope is to locate some axolotl safe aquarium hides and add them to my online store.
Axolotl skin is very prone to damage. A rule of thumb is, if it can snag or tear pantyhose, don’t put it in an axolotl tank.
Recently it was discovered that a popular brand of aquarium decor sold in Petsmart (Nate and Jeremiah brand) actually leeches toxic chemicals into the water. This decor should be avoided, or sealed with an aquarium safe sealant before using.
Lights: Axolotls do not have eyelids, so avoid bright lights. If you have live plants (Java fern and Anubias are great options) and need to add light, make sure you give plenty of options for your axolotl to hide from the bright lights.
Nutrition and Diet
Newly hatched babies :
Baby Brine Shrimp (BBS)
Micro-worms
Daphnia
Live Black Worms
White Worms
Vinegar eels
Juvenile Axolotls:
Live Black worms
Red Wigglers (cut to no bigger than the size of the axolotl’s head)
Blood worms as a treat only
Salmon pellets formulated for axolotls
Repashy grub pie
Adult Axolotls:
Red Wigglers
European nightcrawlers
Blackworms
Salmon pellets formulated for axolotls
Repashy Grub Pie
Bloodworms (treat only)
Blackworms can be difficult to locate in some areas. Lotl Luxuries recommends Eastern Aquatics for purchasing Live Blackworms. Follow this link to order: www.easternaquatics.com