Axolotl Tank Size and Temperature Advise

[LWormy]

Hello! I just got a 23.6" long by 17.7" wide by 17.7" high aquarium and I want to house axolotl in it. The tank is 32 US gallon. Will I be able to comfortably have 2 axolotls, or will I only be able to have one? Also, I live in Chicago and in the summer the water temp can go up to 26 degree Celsius, which is 78.8 degree F. Will the axolotl be able to endure that temperature? If not, how would I lower the temperature? I don't have a lot of space or money, so the chiller and fan is out of question for me. I hooked the tank up to an aquaponic system so I won't be able to install the fan on the back. Please help, thank you!

 

[auntiejude]

A 2ft/32gal tank should be fine for 2 axies.

You need to keep the temp down to 20C as a max, much higher than that for any length of time will stress your axies, or possibly allow fungus to take hold.

Fans are cheap - you can get some really compact ones made form PC fans, and ice bottles can be effective if they are rotated frequently.

 

[LWormy]

Would the ice bottle be able to lower the temp by as much as 6 degrees? How frequent should I replenish it? Sorry, I am new to this so I got lots of questions but can't find them on google. Don't axolotls grow up to 1 feet? If my tank is only 2 feet long and about 18 inches wide would it be too cramped? I wanted to give them good quality of life, not quantity of life for my tank! The reason i don't want fan is because my mom can't stand having any noises at home, and the fans all make noises at some degree.

 

[auntiejude]

Most aquarium fan and filter may a quiet low hum - they are designed with living room environments in mind.

Ice bottles need to be changed over once they have melted - you'd need several in rotation to work properly.

The general rule on size of tank is a minimum of 10gal each, and 1ft of tank space, so your tank is big enough for 2 axies. They can grow up to 15", but many adults only make it 9-10".

 

[LWormy]

Thanks for the help! I think that I might invest in a fan. I know that it lower the temp by making evaporation faster, but can it lower as much as 6 degree C? Lastly, what is the ideal food for axolotl? I might start a worm farm, but I don't know if i have the space. Will other frozen or pellet food work? I am look to buy a 5 inch neon green axolotl from my lfs, so please give me some suggestion about food and how to feed them!

 

[HayleyK]

Worms. Plenty of earthworms. Whilst still small you can feed them everyday. Once they are a lot bigger you can cut back to every other day.

 

[LWormy]

Thanks, but will the fan lower the temp by that much?

 

[auntiejude]

I have a 4x fan on my 80L tank - took it down 5-6C in the hottest weather last week. So yes, it is possible with the right fan for the right size of tank.

 

[LWormy]

Thanks for the help!

 

[keiko]

Personally I would put max 1 axie in an aquarium that size. Even then I would probably feel like it's too small once the axie is grown.
About the temperature, you'll need to be able to keep the temperature under 20 C or your axie will get stressed. Over 24 C and it can die within hours. You have to also make sure the temperature won't change too much too fast because that will cause stress. Not nearly all fans can lower your temperature enough. I haven't used any fans but a couple of my friends have and they say they can get the water temperature down by 4 degrees C max. Also keep in mind that a smaller aquarium will heat up faster. If you're going to use frozen water bottles, you might have to change them every hour or so.
As others said worms are a good food for axies. There are also good pellets specially made for axolotls you can use.

 

[Cacique]

I would recommend using a screen top instead of a hood since the hood will trap heat in. I've read that the arctic breeze brand of usb fans work well. Maybe a sponge filter with an air stone or something to create a few bubbles to break the surface.

What temperature do you keep the air conditioner in your house set to? If you keep your air conditioning around 75F and stick a fan or 2 blowing into the tank it should stay under 70F.

 

[auntiejude]

Over 24 C and it can die within hours.

No it won't. It takes days if not weeks to kill an axie at 24C. Wild fluctuations in a short time are more stressful than 'a bit too warm for comfort' for a day or 2.

 

[kcoscia]

Make sure you get at least a 4 fan system.

I started out with a single fan that didn't drop it enough, double fan didn't drop it enough and now I'm getting the 4 fan in today. I have a 20g long tank. The double fan keeps the tank at a steady 70 degrees, but cooler is better.

 

[keiko]

No it won't. It takes days if not weeks to kill an axie at 24C. Wild fluctuations in a short time are more stressful than 'a bit too warm for comfort' for a day or 2.

Haha ment to say days.

 

[Shivermetim]

How cold is to cold?

 

[Boomsloth]

Thanks for the help! I think that I might invest in a fan. I know that it lower the temp by making evaporation faster, but can it lower as much as 6 degree C? Lastly, what is the ideal food for axolotl? I might start a worm farm, but I don't know if i have the space. Will other frozen or pellet food work? I am look to buy a 5 inch neon green axolotl from my lfs, so please give me some suggestion about food and how to feed them!

Worm farms are the best option but I'd recommend starting it up well before buying your axolotl or starting off with lots of worms. Also I'm curious to what a neon green axolotl might look like. If it's gfp then I understand but if it's dyed you might want to steer clear of that one. Pictures will help!


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[auntiejude]

How cold is to cold?

Icy. As in under 4C.

 

[Shivermetim]

Ok thank you very much auntiejude

 

[yovillageidiot]

I don't recommend the ice method. I did it for 2 weeks. The problem is the temperature fluctuates so much that it causes major stress. I finally invested in a chiller, amazing?!