IsaiahKey
New member
Hello all! So I have been researching axolotls pretty intensely for a few days, with the idea being of getting one (or preferably a pair if I can swing it) after my kitten becomes a kitty and we've settled into a routine (so at least six months? Probably longer). This is giving me plenty of time to get everything I need/want and properly cycle a tank. Oh, and ask the weight limit on a fish tank, since I live on the second floor of an apartment complex. If I can't clear that, then I have to wait til I eventually move out.
But I have some holes in my knowledge, so I thought I'd see if you all could help me!
First off, I've seen mixed reports on the size tank to get for a pair of axolotls, ranging from 20 longs to 4+ feet in at least one direction. I currently have a 20 long at my disposal, potentially two in the future when I upgrade my cornsnake to a 40 gal home. However, I mentioned above that I live on the second floor of an apartment. It's a fairly old building, so I don't feel safe doing anything bigger than a 20 long here. Can I safely put two fully grown axolotls in a 20 long or should I wait to get a second when I have more freedom and foundational integrity for something bigger?
Tied into that question, do axolotls do better in pairs? Would same-sex pairs be fine, or are there aggression issues? If they do better in pairs and I only have space for one, I'd rather wait until I can have a pair than make the one feel lonely.
How often do you feed axolotls? This I've seen a lot of mixed information on, from every day to every three days being popular answers. My goal is to feed earthworms with bloodworms as a treat (I feed my betta bloodworms and an axie would give me a better excuse to buy frozen rather than freeze-dried).
For a beginner, is it better to start with a juvenile or juvenile pair (vs adopting an adult)? How is their care different from adults? If I got a pair of juveniles, would it be better to separate the 20 long in two places, and how long should they be separated before they won't be at such a risk of cannibalizing each other? How old are juveniles typically when shipped from a breeder to a home? Are there breeders that hold axies until they are older before offering them for sale?
Is it possible to ask a breeder for a same-sex pair, or is it too hard to determine gender while young? I know I couldn't handle raising even a few larvae in the future, so what would I do if I end up with a breeding pair and the female lays eggs? How would I keep the female from being harassed by a male if I wanted to keep them in the same tank?
I had more questions, but I've been lurking on this site for about a week now, and I feel like I've got several answers already. I hope this wasn't too much, and thank you in advance for helping me properly prepare for my future pets!
But I have some holes in my knowledge, so I thought I'd see if you all could help me!
First off, I've seen mixed reports on the size tank to get for a pair of axolotls, ranging from 20 longs to 4+ feet in at least one direction. I currently have a 20 long at my disposal, potentially two in the future when I upgrade my cornsnake to a 40 gal home. However, I mentioned above that I live on the second floor of an apartment. It's a fairly old building, so I don't feel safe doing anything bigger than a 20 long here. Can I safely put two fully grown axolotls in a 20 long or should I wait to get a second when I have more freedom and foundational integrity for something bigger?
Tied into that question, do axolotls do better in pairs? Would same-sex pairs be fine, or are there aggression issues? If they do better in pairs and I only have space for one, I'd rather wait until I can have a pair than make the one feel lonely.
How often do you feed axolotls? This I've seen a lot of mixed information on, from every day to every three days being popular answers. My goal is to feed earthworms with bloodworms as a treat (I feed my betta bloodworms and an axie would give me a better excuse to buy frozen rather than freeze-dried).
For a beginner, is it better to start with a juvenile or juvenile pair (vs adopting an adult)? How is their care different from adults? If I got a pair of juveniles, would it be better to separate the 20 long in two places, and how long should they be separated before they won't be at such a risk of cannibalizing each other? How old are juveniles typically when shipped from a breeder to a home? Are there breeders that hold axies until they are older before offering them for sale?
Is it possible to ask a breeder for a same-sex pair, or is it too hard to determine gender while young? I know I couldn't handle raising even a few larvae in the future, so what would I do if I end up with a breeding pair and the female lays eggs? How would I keep the female from being harassed by a male if I wanted to keep them in the same tank?
I had more questions, but I've been lurking on this site for about a week now, and I feel like I've got several answers already. I hope this wasn't too much, and thank you in advance for helping me properly prepare for my future pets!