First Axolotl Preparation? Advice

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dipsydoodle

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Ok so I’m going to set up a tank for axolotls. I would like to think I’ve done all of my research on them. However I have a few simple noob questions.

I’ve already asked and have been told 3-4 would fit in my tank; I would like to get 2.

I have large (soft) plastic plants – the ones for reptile tanks (one breaks up the flow from the filter – directed at the back of the tank so not too much flow), I have a sand bottom, plenty of silk plants. At the moment I only have one hiding hole (a rather big bridge) and I’m going to look for tubes/plant pots/making a slate cave at the weekend.

The tank has a lid and is about 18” deep.

The tank is cycled (I’ve had goldfish in it for years, then tropical fish and now moving to axolotls). The temperature of the tank will be fine for the axolotls (it’s been cold water for years for the goldfish).

Am I missing anything (tank wise)? (except missing an axolotl).

I’m already ok with the feeding – I have newts now, so I don’t mind all the icky foods.
 
sounds like you have the basics covered.

how big is your tank? please keep in mind that floorspace and total water volume is more important than depth. to keep a axolotl with ease, you need at least 10 gallons of water per adult axie, ideally 15 gallons, as they produce a lot of waste and more water means the waste is diluted and less concentrated.

as for food, live earthworms are best, complemented by bloodworms and specially formulated axie pellets that are available.

if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!
 
Sounds good to me, but I also hope your tank is big enough.
Maybe a thermometer :) So you actually know how cold it is, between 16 and 22 C would be fine.
However I believe it's healthy for them when cold, so I keep mine between 18 and 20 always :)
You can ice the water with plastic bottles filled 90% due to expansion when freezing them.
If you have a tank for 4 axies, I think 3 or 4 33cl bottles will cool it down 1 to 2 degrees.
Remember not to change it to rapidly.
If you buy young ones start with eartworms / bloodworms / red mosquito larves (chop up the worms)
And when somewhat bigger and older the pallets come intro play :)

Oh yeah, and feed them loveee <3 :p

Cheers
 
Sorry I didn’t include tank size as I’d already asked it on the forum. Anyway its 45 gallons, 18” wide, 32” long and about 18” tall.

There is a thermometer in the tank already :), and spares if need be (lol I don’t actually have spares, I just have them in other tanks if need be).
 
That's big enough for 2, definitely :)
 
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