Axolotls are a fascinating species and can grow up to 30cm in length and live for 10-15 years. They are an easy to keep pet.

Environment:

They require cold water, no higher than 18°C. Having a thermometer to measure this is very useful. They will need a tank large enough to allow them to grow. The minimum size for one is 65L although the bigger the tank the better!

The tank needs to be free of chlorine before adding the axolotl, using Seachem Prime with every water change is perfect and Seachem Stability will help to cycle the tank and make the water safe for your new addition. They require weekly water changes of 20%. Using a gravel siphon to clean any waste off the bottom of the enclosure will help to keep the water cleaner.

It is important to never completely change the water of the whole tank. This will remove beneficial bacteria that live in the tank and reset the nitrogen cycle, which could kill your axolotl. If you have any concerns about your water condition, you can get test kits which check the water parameters that affect the health of axolotls. If you are local we are happy to do this free of charge in store.

You need to use a filter inside the tank which removes waste and bacteria. A filter also aerates the water so your axolotls can breathe.

The aquarium should be bare bottom with no substrate until the axolotl is at least 15cm in size at which stage sand can be added. This is essental as they will eat anything that will fit into their mouths and they will not be able to digest it making them very sick. Providing a cave or hiding place is great for them. Any other decorations need to be smooth to ensure they do not cause any damage to the axolotl while swimming and again big enough that they will not fit inside their mouths.

Food:

We are currently feeding them live white worms (their favourite), Repashy grub pie, blood worms and Maximum Pet Supplies branded Axolotl pellets. Once they get bigger then you can feed earthworms.

Recommended products:

Blue Planet Glass Aquarium 65L

Blue Planet Glass Aquarium 150L

Filters

Seachem Prime

Seachem Stability

Caves

Axolotl Food

Aquarium Cleaners

To see all other products needed for your axolotl click here Frogs and Reptiles