Axolotl Tank Size?

FishWithTim

FishWithTim

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So i've been doing some digging because I have a spare 20 long collecting dust. I have read that axolotl's need a minimum of 10 gallons????? Is this true? Could I have one in my 20 long? Ofcourse bigger is better but could i?
 

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yep, a 20 gallon long would be ideal for one fully-grown axolotl.
 

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yep, a 20 gallon long would be ideal for one fully-grown axolotl.
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Really? I'm gonna wait and see what others say because I don't want to get to excited yet. I'm thinking about getting the white one.
 
axolotl
I found this site very useful when I was thinking about getting one. The biggest deal breaker for me was the temperature requirement since I'm not investing in a cooler. But to answer your question yes a 20 long would work great for 1 or possibly 2 of them.
 
true, the water has to be chilled somehow. or if your house is in the low 60s year-round, then you're good to go lol. the leucistic ones are my favourite too.
 
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So I called my fish store because to see how they keep there axols and they said they just keep them at room temp and this is in florida by the way. Would this be ok? I can't really afford a chiller.
 

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What is your room temperature?
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Right now its 72 but I just asked my stepdad if we ever bump it up to 75 and he said yes sometimes.
 
Right now its 72 but I just asked my stepdad if we ever bump it up to 75 and he said yes sometimes.
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Water is a few degrees below room temperature so it should be fine if it’s 72. How long do you keep it at 75?
 
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  • #10
Water is a few degrees below room temperature so it should be fine if it’s 72. How long do you keep it at 75?
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Idk but my stepdad said we do it sometimes so not all the time I assume. My science teacher I had last year is now a marine biology teacher this year and I heard she has more tanks than last year and I heard that she has 2 juvenile axols. So I am going to ask her tomorrow.
 
72 is at the high end. Low 60s is prime. Even at 72 I would put fans or a cooler . And I have 2 grown in a 55 20 gal seems small in my opinion.
 

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My lfs has an axolotl that I'd love to get but I'm unsure of tank size and all that. Is a 40 gallon breeder big enough for an axolotl? I know they need lots of filtration with little flow so would a sponge filter work or should I use a hob/canister?
 
A 40B is the perfect size for one! The canister would be good if you can get one with low enough flow, they are pretty messy. Make sure you can keep your tank cold enough for them as well.
 
65 is good, but if it hits 70 or above, they could die. Chillers are often needed to keep these guys, especially in the summer. I've seen one die from 73
 
Do axolotls need hides? If so do I use a reptile hide?
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They definitely appreciate them, especially because they're nocturnal, but most reptile hides aren't safe for them as they're not meant for water. If it says "for reptiles and aquariums" then you're good, but if it only says reptiles, I wouldn't risk it
 
I noticed a couple big caves at my lfs when I went to get supplies, looks like it's meant for cichlids so it might work. Obviously being nocturnal they don't like light so I got an aquasky and have it set up IMG_5837.JPG does this look like it'll be a good set up? Tanks all cloudy due to sand. I added the finest sand I could find cause I know they're messy eaters but I'll probably end up feeding it with tongs like I do most of my reptiles. Are there any plants that like cold water or will I need to go artificial?
 
First off with axolotls I know they are illegal someplaces so check that before getting one. I didnt do that and now have an illegal amphibian but that's besides the point. Anything 20 gallon long or bigger is good for an axolotl 60-70f is where you want to keep then and as for light I would highly reccomend a cave or two so they can hide out during the day. Frozen blood worms live nightcrawlers and earthworm pellets all seem to be good food for the axolotl. As for filtration a canister with a spray bar would be great or a sponge filter but with a 40 gallon I would say get 2 mid sized sponges on each side of the tank. Using a Turkey baster to remove waste is also a good way to reduce how much of a mess they make.
 
First off with axolotls I know they are illegal someplaces so check that before getting one. I didnt do that and now have an illegal amphibian but that's besides the point. Anything 20 gallon long or bigger is good for an axolotl 60-70f is where you want to keep then and as for light I would highly reccomend a cave or two so they can hide out during the day. Frozen blood worms live nightcrawlers and earthworm pellets all seem to be good food for the axolotl. As for filtration a canister with a spray bar would be great or a sponge filter but with a 40 gallon I would say get 2 mid sized sponges on each side of the tank. Using a Turkey baster to remove waste is also a good way to reduce how much of a mess they make.
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I'm from Ohio and I haven't seen anything about it for my state but I'm assuming they're legal here as it's a pet store selling it but if anyone knows otherwise let me know. I set up a roofing cf60 rated for 55 gallon with a spraybar. The temp was 59 when I filled it but I'd assume it went up to around 65 to 70
 
From what I can find they are legal to keep just not to purposely release them into the wild.
 

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From what I can find they are legal to keep just not to purposely release them into the wild.
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I don't think it's legal to release any animal into the wild here regardless if it's a naurally occurring species or not.
I know people have gotten in trouble for releasing minnos into creeks that already have minnos in them
 
I noticed a couple big caves at my lfs when I went to get supplies, looks like it's meant for cichlids so it might work. Obviously being nocturnal they don't like light so I got an aquasky and have it set up View attachment 541886 does this look like it'll be a good set up? Tanks all cloudy due to sand. I added the finest sand I could find cause I know they're messy eaters but I'll probably end up feeding it with tongs like I do most of my reptiles. Are there any plants that like cold water or will I need to go artificial?
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I'm not real smart on the lighting side of thing, so I can't comment on that. As for plants, definitely! As long as the temp stays above 60, you can pick basically any plant. I haven't found one of the "warm water" ones that doesn't work in cold water, heck, I've kept red root floaters in 50° for a few weeks and they were fine. Anacharis especially thrives in lower temperatures though and is awesome for nutrient absorption, takes away nitrates unlike anything else.
Try getting a good pair of aquascaping tweezers, those won't rust after getting water on them and come in a lot of sizes, I like 14" ones. Also, a lot of people use bowls and plates in the tanks, most anything that is food safe will work, I've used teacups and other bowls before.

I don't think it's legal to release any animal into the wild here regardless if it's a naurally occurring species or not.
I know people have gotten in trouble for releasing minnos into creeks that already have minnos in them
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Haha yeah, I've gotten yelled at for helping fish after a pond got dredged and redone, then putting them back in after. Whoops.
 
I only mentioned it because it was in bold letters in every article I found.
 
So I drop my earth worms in and use my old rabbit ear antenna to poke the worms around to them.

Great from moving things and such .
Filters .I run on mine a marine land 220 I think it is .With a nice home made spray bar .
I got a rigged of sponge setup in one corner in desperate need of upgrading or redoing . And I run a aqueon 30 gallon tank hob. Which didnt even really filter the 30 I got .
But I I also disperse all the currents with some really tall fake plants that they love to hide in too.

I just break down and once a week I do 35 % or so water changes .And a good sand vac.
I have to do larger water changes as my cooling fan builds evaporate upto 3 to 5 gallons a day,My well water is already hard enough without evap adding to it.
Mines a 55 with 2 in it
But in the end my guys seem to be thriving quite well and my parameters stay pretty stable
 
IMG_5907.JPGIMG_5908.JPG
After plenty of prep time he/she is finally in the tank and is roaming around. Lights are dimmed and I'll leave it to explore the nice big tank.
 
Congratulations on your new friend! It's a cutie.
 
I am looking to get an axolotl. I have a 10 gallon, but have read that is too small. I also have a 20 gallon with a crayfish, and have read that that could be disastrous. I only want what's best for the axolotl, and am open to the possibility of getting a new tank.
 
I am looking to get an axolotl. I have a 10 gallon, but have read that is too small. I also have a 20 gallon with a crayfish, and have read that that could be disastrous. I only want what's best for the axolotl, and am open to the possibility of getting a new tank.
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Depends, I know some people have kept them in a ten-gallon and they have done fine. I'd say keep it in the 10 gallon, exchange for 20 gallons, or keep it in the 10 gallons and upgrade later. I would not chance it with the crayfish, it could go bad both ways.
 
I've had my axolotl for 2 years. When I got her, she probably would've fit in a 10 gallon, but she grew very quickly and a 10 gallon would be far to small for her now. She would've outgrown a 10 gallon tank in just a few months. I went ahead put her in her adult tank right away when I got her. I don't see a point in starting with a smaller tank and then sizing up. The bare minimum tank size for an adult is 2 feet long, which is a standard 20 gallon tank, but they do much better in a 20 gallon long which is 2 and a half feet long and is generally more socially accepted among axolotl keepers.

You should not keep them with tank mates, for their safety. Crayfish would be a disaster, you're right about that. They can be kept with other axolotls, but you need 20 gallons per axolotl, so if you want to keep 2 of them, you need a 40 gallon tank. I hope this helps.
 

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I have had my juvenile Phoenix for a couple months now, 20 gallon long aquarium and the little munchkin uses every inch of it with swimming after meals......and after every poo

They are gorgeous little animals, absolutely enchanting

I get a "good morning" smile when I wake up every day

(The photo of Phoenix is not doing justice cos taken when newly arrived and smaller, now a lot bigger and much fluffier external gills now)

86374057_2707810342638803_4402504141696401408_o.jpg87118838_2720714874681683_2990750418725765120_o.jpg
 
They are adorable. What are you guys doing as far as chilling the water?
 
They are adorable. What are you guys doing as far as chilling the water?
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It never gets warm enough to need chilling cos the UK have horrible weather most of the time but if that changes then the bottled water I use for the aquarium will live in the fridge til water change day

ok. would the crayfish be fine in my empty 10 gallon, or should I just get a new tank?
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I would go for a new aquarium, why stress out and upset the Cray when its not necessary
 
It never gets warm enough to need chilling cos the UK have horrible weather most of the time but if that changes then the bottled water I use for the aquarium will live in the fridge til water change day
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Ah so it’s just based on your house temp?
 
what temp is good? 69 Fahrenheit?
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Room temperature, no heater required even in winter....they are coldwater critters

Just somewhere to hide, no lights, no heater, sand not gravel and stones/wood larger than a clenched fist cos they hoover everything into their mouth....including substrate

tankmates? would danios, tetras and a moonlight gourami work?
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Zero tank mates cos they will eat them....unless like me you have a regular source of fry as something for the Axolotl to chase and eat, absolutely no tankmates
 
Another thing about fish as tank mates for axolotls; some fish will nip at the axolotl's gills. Axolotl's gills look a lot like worms. Fish eat worms. So you run the risk of either the axolotl eating the fish, or the fish nipping at the axolotl.
 
One thing I love about Phoenix Axolotl is when I take all the covers off the aquariums in the morning, the three with fish hardly react but Phoenix literally comes running towards me and bounces around like a puppy. OK so I know its cos food will soon follow but its just really nice to be appreciated. Phoenix is very playful, bounces around everywhere and when I have visitors always comes to the glass to greet them and play

Absolutely fantastic temperment and character....you can't have a bad day around an Axolotl, they simply won't let you be grumpy
 

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I have found a 37 gallon, will this suffice for 2? and do I need to do daily water changes?
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A 37g is the same as a 20 long in terms of bottom area, so it would still only be good for 1. You'll want at least a 40 gallon breeder or 33 long for 2.
You won't need daily water changes if you have enough filtration, but you will still need to pick up their poo daily.
 
So I'm interested in owning an Axolotl, I currently have a 10 gallon tank and wondering if this would be appropriate for a baby Axolotl, at what time/size do I need to upgrade him into a bigger tank?

For a single Axolotl I've heard 20 gallons
(75 litres) is suitable. Which is 61cm long.

I get that the long tanks are better, but I can't find any 20gallon tanks that are long, as 2ft is my max length I can fit.

My question is, I can find 2ft tanks easily that are 63 litres, or tall ones that are 84 litres. I understand that adults don't swim as much so I would rather not have a bunch of empty space. Would 60 litres, suit? It would still be 2ft long. Thank you!
 
15-20 gallon tanks are okay for adult axolotls. If he starts in the 10 gallon tank, he should be moved to the permanent tank after about a year when he reaches adult size, or sooner if possible. It'd be best when he reaches the juvenile size. From what I understand, I think a 60 liter tank is alright if the only other option is a tall tank if the floor space is larger.
 

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