When to upsize a tank ~

[akiso914]

Hi everyone -

I'm still a pretty new owner - I've had Schmidt for a little over a year and she's about 8 or 9 inches long. I currently have her in a 10 gallon tank and i was wondering if thats enough space for her or if i should get a bigger tank for her. Also, I wonder if she's growing too slowly - from some the posts I've read it seems like she should be bigger than this for almost two years old...just wondering if her growth is normal. I feed her at least half of a large worm every day, and she's always had a good appetite - any opinions on how she's growing would be appreciated

 

[MarieKarma1311]

You most certainly need to upgrade her tank, an adult axolotl should be in a tank no smaller than 20 gallons. Axolotls spend most of their time on the bottom of the tank so the longer the tank the better.

An upgrade will make your axolotl much more comfortable and it should be much easier to keep tank peramiters in healthy and safe conditions.

As for the size of your axolotl, he is a perfectly normal length. While it is true that axolotls can grow over 12 inches in length, most stop growing between 7 - 10 inches.

 

[Holly12]

I'd say upgrade. Stelly is 8" and in a 20 gallon long and I wonder if she will fit if she gets much bigger!

 

[akiso914]

Thanks! - I'll upgrade her space to a 20 or 30 gal asap

 

[MarieKarma1311]

No problem, and I'm sure that Schmidt will be very happy to have some more room.