Soon to be Axolotl owner wanting to make sure I’m good to go

[Vangee]

Hi everybody,

I’m Marc from Ontario, Canada. After acquiring all the pieces I need for a freshwater aquarium, I changed my mind and decided to get some axolotls instead. I have everything ready to minus substrate, plants etc. I have a 50g tank that’s 36”x18”x18” and I’d like to get three axolotls (I’ve read this should be enough). I plan to get sand up to a couple inches, some low light live plants which I’ll attach to either rocks or driftwood and possibly one or two larger plastic logs the local pet store has. I understand they don’t like much light so I plan to hopefully be able to use a white bulb and a blue bulb together. I don’t want it too bright but I obviously don’t want the plants to die. I have a large filter that was meant for fish but I may use something to block some of the commotion in the water. I also plan to get some smaller air pumps as well.

I guess that would be it. I just want to make sure my plan is ok and that I’m not missing anything. I’m sure I left something out and if so I’ll come back and raise the question.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Sounds like a plan!

There are some amazing ways to aqua scape, check this article for a run down on options for setting your tank up: Axolotl Sanctuary

Are you aware of the Nitrogen Cycle? Do you have any dechlorinator?

Check this thread, contains a rough list of things that might help:
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f1-general-topics/f1158-introductions-area/105438-hi.html#post460675

Check out:
Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger Salamander
Caudata Culture Axolotl Articles

And welcome to the forum!

 

[Vangee]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the welcome! I knew I'd forget some information! I plan to cycle the tank for at least a few weeks before I buy the axolotls. I want to make sure everything is perfect for them. Thanks for the links. I'll be sure to check them out. The image in the sanctuary link is basically exactly what I want. I’m not going to pack in too many plants in the beginning and I’m guessing they will eventually fill out the area of the tank. I’ve watched a lot of videos and they seem to look much happier when they’re in a tank with lots of plants. They seem to be much more active.

 

[Richie373]

i would definitely agree, my axolotls breed when I put in a bunch of new plants!
However, make sure they're robust, or have had some time to root before the axolotls get in there!
they definitely don't give a monkeys about your careful aquascaping!