Saying hi on behalf of Axl and Moko, and a bit of advice required

[AndySheff]

Hi!

I've recently acquired a leucistic and a "wild" axolotl of about 2-3 months old, and have found this forum no end of use in researching how best to look after them - so thanks!

If anyone's up for giving me a bit of advice, I've got a couple of questions as an axolotl newbie:

They've only been in their tank for a couple of days, but the water already looks kinda dirty on top and smells a bit rank. I've had the filter running low and through a spray bar so as not to stress them, but have turned it up in case it wasn't powerful enough to do anything. Should I change some of the water already?

While my "wild" one, Axl, is happily swimming around in the daytime, the leucistic, Moko, just sits on the bottom virtually unmoving. They've been like that since I got them, so just wanted to check that's personality not a bad sign of anything.

Their tank's 50cm x 45 x 35 (and I know I'll need a bigger one before too long), just rocks and a couple of hiding places in there.

Anyway - hi and thanks for any advice!!

 

[Bellabelloo]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.
I suspect your tank may not have been cycled. This article linked below will explain the process.
Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling

Have a read, and if there is anything we can help with, ask away.