Thinking Of Getting An Axolotl.

HI everyone,

I have been in love with axolotls for quite some time now and am seriously considering getting one. These adorable little salamanders have a lot more to them than I first imagined. I am researching all I can before I make any purchases!!!

I have learned that they need very fine sand, cool temperatures (below 66 degrees Fahrenheit best), no lighting (or lights on for 20 minutes maximum daily), they feed on earth worms as a main diet, they create a lot of waste (weekly water changes), 10-20 gallon tank minimum.

That's basically what I've learned smashed into one, tiny paragraph and I do have some questions:

1) I'm not about to get a water-chiller machine or whatever their called because they are crazy expensive and I am not a wealthy person. My bedroom has a average temperature of 68 (winter coldest indoor) to 74 (hottest in summer on occasion before air conditioner lowers it back down to 72). That is too warm for an axolotl. Would a fan blowing on the water be enough?

2) I live in the woods so there are tons of earth worms outside. Could I take worms from the wild and start my own worm farm for free food for my axolotl? Is there any chance of outside parasites or germs?

3) I've read so much contradiction about the proper size tank. Some say 10 gallon minimum while others say 20 is minimum. I'm leaning to being safe and that 20 gallon is minimum, however I already have a empty 10 gallon sitting around and it would be really nice not to have to buy a new tank and equipment. No, just now I'm coming to the conclusion that 20 should be minimum, they grow to 9'' more space would be better.

How active are they? Do they need anything more than what I've already summed up? Any tips or experiences you can share to help me? I'm still not even 100% sure I can get an axolotl yet because I already have reached the limit of fish tanks my parents will let me have. But I really want one!

Thanks guys!

 

I found a ton of info from this site. Hope it helps you.

Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger Salamander

 

Thanks, that article was very informative.

I've still been doing some research about axolotls in 10 gallon vs. 20 gallon and am still highly confused. Would one be ok in a 10? They don not seem that active. What is the purpose of 20? Sure they would probably enjoy more space just like some fish are said to be kept in a 10 but are better in a 20. What is the truth here people? Would one be ok in a 10, of course be happier in a 20, but start out in a 10 and then in a couple years when I can, upgrade to a 20?

 

I don't see a problem with a 10 but more space is always better in any animal's case, so I would highly consider a 20.

 

most on here that had one in a 10 upgraded to a 20. Probably due to a combination of space and how messy they are. With twice the water conditions would be more stable.

 

Ok thanks for the info on the tank size. I think for now I will try one in my 10 because it's what I already have and would fit best in my space. I'll upgrade to a 20 when I have more space.

How large do axolotls grow? I've heard from 6''-15''. Is there a species (not the right word) I mean there are so many colors, is one version larger or smaller than the others? Are the albinos more prone to illness? I know other species of albino animals are more prone to disease.

Could someone please address the questions I mentioned earlier, about the temperature and feeding earth worms from my woods?

 

Actually, my hopes and dreams of getting an axolotl have been dashed by my parents. They say that they don't want me owning a pet that will live 10 years when I'm so close to moving away and going to college.

I want to go to a college where it would be ok to bring my 10 gallon for a fish (or axolotl) but my parents still didn't want me getting one until I have my own place and start my life.

I'd still like to know all the little things to owning one though!

 

Actually, my hopes and dreams of getting an axolotl have been dashed by my parents. They say that they don't want me owning a pet that will live 10 years when I'm so close to moving away and going to college.

I want to go to a college where it would be ok to bring my 10 gallon for a fish (or axolotl) but my parents still didn't want me getting one until I have my own place and start my life.

I'd still like to know all the little things to owning one though!

Feel free to PM me any time and I can answer any questions you may have. Here are my babies making an axie stack xD

 

Thank you Kellye8498. I will contact you if I have further questions. Your axolotls are adorable! What size tank do you have? Could you post a full picture of your entire tank?

 

Axolotl will outgrow a ten gallon

 

Thank you for pointing that out! I will definitely go with a 20 gal-long for an axolotl tank.

 

I have mine in a 40 Breeder. It’s 20 gallons for one axolotl and 10 for each additional axolotl. Also start to cycle your tank early. It takes around 2-3 months to cycle the tank because it happens much slower in a cold water tank.

 

You want length over height as well since they rarely leave the floor. A 20 long for one would be perfect.

 

So I'm thinking maybe a while after my fish tank is started and going I would like to get an axolotl! (Not sure yet!)
So here's what I need/to get.

1. 20 Gallon Tank
2. HOB filter (Help me find one!)
3. Have a test kit!
4. Lighting From a Hood
5. Cooler???
6. Carib Sea Super Natural Moonlight Sand
7. Suggest some plants
8. I have leftover driftwood

Anything else? Thanks!
Trying to stay on a budget of $200

 

Wait for a $1 per gallon sale at petco for the tank, they sometimes put equipment on sale at the same time as the tanks too. It's possible you won't need a cooler, how warm does the room get?
AxolotlKnight

 

Wait for a $1 per gallon sale at petco for the tank, they sometimes put equipment on sale at the same time as the tanks too. It's possible you won't need a cooler, how warm does the room get?
AxolotlKnight

When is this? The house is usually 68 - 71.

 

Wait for a $1 per gallon sale at petco for the tank, they sometimes put equipment on sale at the same time as the tanks too. It's possible you won't need a cooler, how warm does the room get?
AxolotlKnight

Also I can wait a bit since I want my fish tank to settle in.

 

When is this?

They have it periodically through the year, check their site. They had it a couple of months ago, then brought it back soon after it finished.

 

I'm not sure, I think coralbandit has mostly figured out the cycle so he might know
Ok, so you will need a cooler for the tank then, or you could have a fan blowing across the surface? I know some people just do that since some coolers are a bit pricy. Demeter ?

 

My fella is in the basement where it stays pretty cool year round. Right now the tank is about 68-69F.

 

My fella is in the basement where it stays pretty cool year round. Right now the tank is about 68-69F.

My basement is pretty much cooler than the rest of the house, so basically the same?

 

I'm not sure, I think coralbandit has mostly figured out the cycle so he might know
Ok, so you will need a cooler for the tank then, or you could have a fan blowing across the surface? I know some people just do that since some coolers are a bit pricy. Demeter ?

I think I may not of noticed but I got my 29 for $29 dollars.

 

Yeah the last one ended a few weeks ago I think

My basement is pretty much cooler than the rest of the house, so basically the same?

It would probably be similar, you could always take a tank thermometer down there for a few minutes and see what it says

 

When is this? The house is usually 68 - 71.

if this is where your house stays for sure a couple fans on top for evap should do fine I run sveral high power PC fans and a 6 fan setup I bought and it maintains my temps very well