Planted tank?

[Nickert]

Hey all,

I have a 40 gal with 3 axolotls, an over the back aqueon filter, led lights and a fan to cool the water. I've been having trouble keeping the plants alive due to the cold temperatures. Any tips on what parameters/substrate/temp I should have? My water usually hovers around 63-65 F. What kinds of plants could I use?

 

[ShrimpShepherd]

It may not be the cold temperatures since plants can grow, just very slowly in cold temperatures given they have proper nutrients. I'm guessing you have a sand substrate since you have plants - you need to dose the water with fertilizers (micro) and or NPK macros depending on your need. Some plants also need CO2, which you can get from a CO2 regulator system which is pricey, or a cheap bottle of Glutaraldehyde by seachem which is another source of Carbon, not CO2.

Basically your substrate is inert and not enough nutrients for the plants to grow if any.

 

[Hayleyy]

What plants are you keeping? Some survive better than others in cooler temps. I've got hairgrass, java ferns and anubias that do well. Have a light on a couple of hours a day (and plenty of dark spots for your axies).
This article has lots of info for you https://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/Aquascape.shtml
Is your substrate sand and/or aqua soil?
I've seen a bit of debate on here about aquatic plant additives (the bottled kind), whether it is okay to use with axolotls. I haven't used it myself so can't really say anything about it but if you go that route make sure you research it thoroughly