New Juvies, need opinions!

[Kirzzin]

, I am a newbie Axolotl enthusiast.

A week ago I got 2, a leucistic and a golden albino, and they're so gosh darn cute I went back and got a melanoid yesterday.
They're 4 months old, and I think I am over feeding them. I can't really tell. I am sure they would eat every 10 minutes if I let them. Right now they are on blood worms, I am feeding them a square which is 36 mini bloodworms per square, which I handfeed them (no reason except I enjoy doing this) this is divided between the 3, and after that I feed them a few sinking newt pellets, which they could give or take, they're not that concerned with them after the blood worms.

The two I got a week ago grew quickly it seems (almost 4inches long), and the one I got yesterday is nearly the same size as the other two when I got them (about 3inches).

When should I be changing their food to earthworms, also, do you guys have a different opinion on what they should be fed?

I have read so many different articles off of google on how to care for them that it's all turned into a scary blur after I read about them morphing yesterday (I had no idea this was a thing and I do NOT want that to happen)


Also: They're doing this thing where they jump, it looks like hiccups when they eat. The breeder didn't know what they were doing?
https://instagram.com/p/9Zxpp9qIXb/ (Here's a video off my instagram of them doing the jumping)


Thanks in advance for all your thoughts!

(Their tank is usually kept clean -with a turkey bastor!- but these pictures were after feeding time, my Leucistic is an attention monster )

 

[AxolotlChris]

For information on feeding worms read this: Caudata Culture Articles - Worms

For more articles on housing and maintenance: Caudata Culture Articles

The 'jumping' is actually just a part of the way they feed. Axolotl suck their prey into their mouth by drawing water in. The sudden suction of water causes their bodies to 'jump' or rise in the water. I've found that the younger/smaller the axolotl the more apparent this 'jump' is since they are lighter.

You must ensure your tanks water is tested for Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, and PH. Its important for the overall health of your Axolotl.
You can do this yourself using this kit: Welcome to API Fishcare: FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT

Read this guide on how to maintain your tanks water quality: How to Cycle a Fish Tank


Its so strange how Axolotl from America and Canada tend to look so much more characteristic and 'cute'!

 

[Skudo09]

You can move them onto earthworms now . You may have to chop the worms in half to make it a bit easier for them but earthworms make an excellent staple diet. Newt pellets are also a good option. Bloodworm is great for young juveniles but you will want something with a bit more nutrition as they grow so earthworms and/or good quality newt or axolotl pellets are good options.

 

[AxolotlChris]

On the point of pellets, I use 'JBL Novo Lotl' pellets. This brand has two types, the standard 'JBL Novo Lotl' and then the 'JBL Novo Lotl XL'. The XL pellets are for Axoltols at a minimum size of 18cm, where as the normal pellets are small enough for juvenile Axolotl.

As Skudo said, blood worms are great for this stage too!

 

[Kirzzin]

Thank you so much, everyone
They look like they're getting little fat bellies now, so I do think I am feeding them a bit much, but those links really helped. I do think I will be going onto earthworms soon, it seems like a much easier way, the bloodworms are just so tiny I think I over feed to compensate for it.

Also thank you for the information of the jumping while they eat!!

What do you guys think of sand substrate? I've heard a lot of people say yes, and no. It's easier to clean the tank without it, but it's not as easy for them to walk?

 

[AxolotlChris]

Sand is okay depending on whether the Axolotl have a tendencie to suck up sand when feeding. You will find it is a lot easier to clean a bare bottom tank, so it depends if you want to make things harder for yourself at the moment

 

[Kirzzin]

Definitely wouldn't want to make clean up any more thorough than it has been!
These little buggers are messy!

Sand is okay depending on whether the Axolotl have a tendencie to suck up sand when feeding. You will find it is a lot easier to clean a bare bottom tank, so it depends if you want to make things harder for yourself at the moment