Best Practices for Setting Up a Healthy Aquatic Environment for Axolotls

[mathew_25]

Hello everyone,


I'm new to axolotls and would like some advice on how to set up an appropriate aquatic habitat for my new pets. Although I've done some research, I'd like to hear from those who have more firsthand knowledge. I would appreciate your opinions on a few crucial areas as I work to make their environment stress-free and healthy:


The optimal pH and temperature for axolotls in a home aquarium are determined by the water parameters. Is room temperature sufficient, or should I use a heater?

Filtration: I've read conflicting opinions regarding the use of powerful filters. Which filtration technique keeps the water clean without putting the axolotls under undue stress?

I came across this website:https://www.caudata.org/threads/transitioning-what-is-power-bi-neurergus-crocatus-from-terrestrial-to-aquatic-setup.81891/

Tank Setup: Any tips on substrate, plants, or decorations that are safe and beneficial for axolotls? I want to keep it natural but also easy to maintain.Feeding: What’s the best diet for them? Any favorite treats I should know about?Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer! Looking forward to hearing your experiences!

Regards
mathew

 

[JM29]

Hi,

I'll give some of the answers :

Temperature : between 16 and 20°C is fine. Temperatures above 24°C are stressful and trigger diseases.
So no heater ! My axolotls are in my garage.

pH : axolotls are well at pH 7,5 - 8.
I personnally prefer not going to high pH values because of the ammonia toxicity risk.

Substrate : nothing like coarse gravel. Sand is fine for well-grown (> 10 cm) axolotls.

Plants : I choosed to have my axolotls in heavily planted tanks, so that ammonia is directly uptaken. Moreover plants create shade zones where axolotls can hide. At least 1 fast-growing plant, like Egeria densa or Ceratophyllum demersum, would be fine, but additional plants are possible (java moss, java fern).
Light required, of course.

Filtration : I don't use any filter but some people use filters with success, so I will let them answer.
Keep in mind axolotl don't like water current, which is stressful.

Food : I rarely use pellets, only in emergency. pellets contain useful nutrients, but also non assimilable parts which pollute the water.
I mainly use earthworms, daphnias, raw fish.


That being said, my experience is not the only relevant one ...