AbysmalAxolotl
New member
Hi,
I will hopefully be getting a pair of axolotls in the next few weeks. I was thinking about starting a freshwater fish tank, but then when I saw that the local pet store had baby axolotls, I decided to do my research. I've loved salamanders and axolotls for years and done a lot of research on them, but I've never had a pet amphibian before.
So, this is post is basically a chance for me to check if my information is correct from experienced owners.
Here is my plan:
Tank set-up: (I have a tank that is around 30 gallons, and I plan to house two axolotls)
Non-gravel substrate, preferably sand
A hiding place/shelter
Thermometer
An under-gravel or sponge filter
Care:
Feed earthworms or bloodworms twice a week
Water that stays between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit
Clean tank at least once a week
And I have a few questions about cleaning the tank; What do you find is the best procedure for tank-cleaning? Where do you temporarily house the axolotls while you clean? Do I need special supplies to clean the tank?
I'm also a bit inexperienced when it comes to water condition. I just know that the water needs to be conditioned to get rid of the chlorine in it, and that axolotls like a pretty neutral pH, but I'm unsure about nitrates and nitrites and things like that.
One more question: I've heard about tank cycling, which I believe is when you let the complete set-up tank and filter run for a few days before introducing animals into it. I'd like to have more information on this, and how to introduce axolotls into a new tank.
Thanks so much to anybody that helps, and feel free to correct any of my information I want to do the best for my new pets.
I will hopefully be getting a pair of axolotls in the next few weeks. I was thinking about starting a freshwater fish tank, but then when I saw that the local pet store had baby axolotls, I decided to do my research. I've loved salamanders and axolotls for years and done a lot of research on them, but I've never had a pet amphibian before.
So, this is post is basically a chance for me to check if my information is correct from experienced owners.
Here is my plan:
Tank set-up: (I have a tank that is around 30 gallons, and I plan to house two axolotls)
Non-gravel substrate, preferably sand
A hiding place/shelter
Thermometer
An under-gravel or sponge filter
Care:
Feed earthworms or bloodworms twice a week
Water that stays between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit
Clean tank at least once a week
And I have a few questions about cleaning the tank; What do you find is the best procedure for tank-cleaning? Where do you temporarily house the axolotls while you clean? Do I need special supplies to clean the tank?
I'm also a bit inexperienced when it comes to water condition. I just know that the water needs to be conditioned to get rid of the chlorine in it, and that axolotls like a pretty neutral pH, but I'm unsure about nitrates and nitrites and things like that.
One more question: I've heard about tank cycling, which I believe is when you let the complete set-up tank and filter run for a few days before introducing animals into it. I'd like to have more information on this, and how to introduce axolotls into a new tank.
Thanks so much to anybody that helps, and feel free to correct any of my information I want to do the best for my new pets.