Axolotl seems scared

[rosstxttpo]

When our first axolotl got too big for his tank, we bought him a new 4.5 ft tank and having read lots of opinions on the forum, decided to move from sand to having a bare bottom. We put him in the new tank and after a few days, he adjusted and now seems happy.

We bought a second axolotl and put him into the first axolotl's old tank. Same as before, once he got too big for the tank, we bought him a new 4.5 ft tank. Having gone through the cycling process and checking the levels, we put him in.

He went straight into his cave and we have hardly seen him since (this was over a week ago). The only time he comes out is too get his food and then he goes straight back in to his cave. Its a big contrast to when he was in the old tank and was always out and about.

Is it just a case that he is scared of the new environment? We did everything the same as the first axolotl and he seems happy.

HELP!

 

[gr33neyes]

Sounds like he has it sorted, eats then sleeps.lol . Have you got any other tank decorations i.e. caves? Maybe he is finding the size of the new tank a bit overwhelming.

Have you thought about putting your axolotls both in the same tank, 4.5 ft is fine for two axies.

If your water conditions are fine (have you checked them?) then consider other things. Is the new tank in a high traffic area of the house. Is the lighting (If you have any on the tank) brighter then the old tank.

Apart from the size, are there any other diferences between the new tank and the old one?

What about your water filtration, is that on a higher setting.

I have 2 axies in one tank, each one has its own completely different personality to the other, much the same as people. Possibly thats what has happened to you, they just like different things, one is shyer then the other.

 

[rosstxttpo]

There is a cave and a massive bridge with space to hide under.

We tried putting the two in together but our first axolotl snapped at the newer one so we didnt want to risk anything happening to either of them.

Yes, we have checked the water conditions. The tank is in exactly the same place at the old tank. We dont have any direct light on the tank, just the room lighting. There is no other noticable differences between the two tanks although the water flow is alot stronger in the new tank - the filter wasnt working greater in the old tank.

 

[Lisa]

If you can feel the water flow in the new tank, it's probably too strong and that could certainly make him hide. Axies like very still water. Try diverting the flow into the side of the tank, or into some plants or onto an ornament to lessen it.
But remember, adult axies tend to do little and not be very active. In fact, lots of activity can be an indicator of stress. Eating and chilling are really their favourite activities and usually mean they are happy .