Axolotl mate/ new tank

[Jaegerkolstad]

Hi, i've had my first axolotl for a few months now and he (i believe it's a he at least) is about 6 inches long now. He's currently living in a 10 gallon aquarium but lately i've been looking into upgrading him to a 20 long and getting him a new mate. The only problem is it can be rather hard to find axolotls around here, especially when you're looking for a specific kind. Could anyone help me with some tips on where to get a similar sized female and how i could introduce them both to a new tank?

 

[AxolotlChris]

Hello

Congratulations on joining the world of Axolotls!

Caudata Culture Axolotl Articles
Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger Salamander

You can actually source Axolotls from your country on an area of this forum called 'For Sale, Give-Away or Trade'. Here's a link to the US threads: For Sale, Give-Away or Trade - FS: USA at Caudata.org Newt and Salamander Portal

When keeping Axolotls together its always easier if they have grown up in the same tank. If not they aren't aware that they have a tank mate and are more likely to snap at any movement around them since they hunt their prey by sensing its movement, and this is where accidents happen.

You can still introduce multiple Axolotls into a tank, there are a few ways of doing this:

1. Keep them well fed so they aren't hungry all the time.
2. Hand feed so they don't look for food on the bottom of the tank.
3. I've heard that you can put a plastic mesh divider in the tank to allow them to be aware of each other but not have the ability to snap at each other, this can be removed after a week or so of being together.http://www.mrsstitch.com/images/OurStitch%20Images/MeshDifference.jpg

You will also need to make sure your new tank is cycled:
Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling
Caudata Culture Articles - Water Quality