Appropriate Tank Size?

ZoologyGirl · Mar 18, 2009

Hello. I'm thinking of possibly picking up an axolotl in the future and someone pointed me to this site. I'm wondering if a 20 gallon long would for a single axolotl. I think that's approx 30x12x12 (inches). And just in case, could I fit more than 1 in this size tank?

Thanks!

Jadore axolotl · Mar 18, 2009

thats just a little smaller than mine and i have one axie in it and am hoping to get a second one for it. So i think it is ok for two but thats about it, hopefully i haven't calculated it wrong or else i won't be getting my second axie

Darkmaverick · Mar 18, 2009

Hi zoologygirl,

Im afraid a tank of that size would ultimately be too small to even house 1 adult axolotl comfortably. You would have to provide more space for include things like hidng spots and more crawling space for welfare purposes.

A larger tank (bigger dimensions as well as volume) will also provide more stable water temperature and parameters.

If you intend to house a pair comfortably in future, i would recommend at least a 3 foot tank.

Cheers

Jadore axolotl · Mar 18, 2009

rayson is that really too small for one? i was hoping to house two in my 2 1/2 foot tank but if 2 foot is too small for one does that mean that my tank is too small for two?

Darkmaverick · Mar 18, 2009

Hi Jadore,

To provide the best environment and space for the axie, i would say 2 1/2 foot is alright for a full grown adult, but preferably not 2. I suppose it depends on how you wish to look at it. If you want to provide adequate space to include 2 hiding place per axie, 2 1/2 foot tank might be a tight squeeze for a pair. If you intend to have a no frills tank, it probably can still hold 2 but in much less than ideal conditions.

Ultimately its still the dimensions that matter the most so if you have a tank with a huge surface area but short, i suppose its still workable.

In general, its best to get the biggest tank you can afford because the bigger the tank size, the easier to manage the tank.

Cheers

ZoologyGirl · Mar 18, 2009

Thanks for the replys!

So 2 1/2 foot is ok for 1 adult?

My other option is we might use our spare 55 gallon (roughly 48inx13in). How many axi's would this be adequate for?

Darkmaverick · Mar 18, 2009

Hi again zoologygirl,

Yes a 2 1/2 ft tank can quite safely and comfortably house 1 adult and still have space for hiding places. The bigger tank can hold 2 or 3 full grown adults.

Cheers.

michael · Mar 18, 2009

A 20 gallon long tank is plenty of room for a pair of axolotls. A rule of thumb is about 10 gallons per axolotl. Of course foot print size and good biological filtration are the most important considerations.

Hotrod Vampire · Mar 19, 2009

would a 58 gallon tank be alright....just picked it up today:grin:

WanderingStar · Mar 26, 2009

I find that my 3 axies are very happy and healthy in a 30 gallon tank, although it IS a squat tank with greater length and width dimensions than a normal tank. I also have a log in the tank where they like to hide, and plenty of plants, and they seem quite comfortable (they're all about 6 1/2" at this point).

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Appropriate Tank Size?

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