Question: Set-up idea

[harmonia]

Hello:

Years ago I kept aquatic axolotls during my college years. I have decided to keep them once again. I want to make a set up that is somewhat similar to their natural environment. Do these guys come from areas with lots of aquatic vegetation, or do they come from areas with mostly rocks and sand? I tried to research the lake they are from, but I was not able to find much information.

Also, do these guys ever inhabit cave-like environments? I thought that it might be interesting to try these guys with blind cave tetras. I imagine that this would have the potential to go wrong if:
1. they are not found in similar areas in the lake/nature
2. the axolotl tries to eat the tetras
3. the tetras nip at the gills of the axolotl

Anyway, I am planning on probably starting with a 20 gallon tank since I already have one available. I am planning on keeping two of them in a tank this size.

Thanks,

T

 

[blueberlin]

Hi harmonia and welcome to the Forum!

I am afraid I don't know what the axolotl's natural habitat is like, either. I can tell you, though, what my experience with them in captivity has shown. They do like caves - anything they can hide under. The caves do not need to be high-ceilinged, but long enough to cover the axolotl's entire body. They also seem to like plants a lot. Most of mine sit on top of or amidst plants throughout the day.

Fish would be a bad idea if you like the fish. The axolotls will like them, too (chomp, chomp). Also, tetras prefer their temperatures on the top side of the range tolerable to an axolotl, so it would be difficult to house them together so that both species thrive.

How long is a 20-gallon tank? Seems very small to me. If it's just temporary housing for juvenile axolotls, it will be ok, but I suspect you will need something larger (at least 3 feet long) before they reach adult size.

-Eva

 

[Greatwtehunter]

How long is a 20-gallon tank? Seems very small to me. If it's just temporary housing for juvenile axolotls, it will be ok, but I suspect you will need something larger (at least 3 feet long) before they reach adult size.

-Eva

The length of a 20 gallon long is a little over 30 in or 76.2 cm.

 

[blueberlin]

Thanks Justin!

You know me, I'll say it's too small (more is more!), but I suppose ... technically speaking... it's probably fine, then.

-Eva

 

[harmonia]

Hello,

Thank you for the replies. After a bit of thinking, I agree that 20 gallons is too small. I am thinking that I might go for something larger. I like to make nice looking enclosures that somewhat replicate natural environments. It keeps me out of trouble.

My idea is to make a nice planted tank with hardy plants and large chunks of driftwood. I did this sort of thing in the past with aquatic caecilians and it worked out fine. I am thinking aobut Anubias and other tough plants. I actually have some of these plants in my paddletail newt tank.

Anyway, thank you for your help. I will have to think about this some more, I guess.

T

 

[Shizeric]

My tank is setup similarly to what you are talking about. I bought an awesome piece of driftwood from aquariumplants.com (they have a huge selection, and you can check out every piece they have). I also ordered a good deal of java moss and java ferns off ebay for like 3 bucks a piece free shipping. I Have a 37 gallon tank and fill it up about half way. The 20 gallon tank you are talking about must be a 20 long if it is 30", which is much better for axolotls than regular 20 gallon tanks. I have some pics of my tank in this forum, you might wanna take a look! Good luck though, sounds like you have a lot of awesome ideas, make sure you post some pics when you finish!