5 Tips for Setting Up an Axolotl Tank

Have you ever dreamed of owning an ancient underwater alien as a pet? While that may not strictly be possible, you can get pretty close when you bring home a pet axolotl!

Keeping axolotls as pets may be tricky, but it becomes fun when you look at it as a challenge! Are you up for the task of keeping your little alien friend alive and happy? It all begins by curating the perfect axolotl tank.

Perfecting the environment can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time welcoming an exotic pet into your home. Are you worried about keeping your pet alive? We’ve gathered five of the most helpful tips for setting up a cozy, comfortable axolotl aquarium.

Read on for some helpful aquarium setup tips!

Tip #1: Keep It Clean

Axolotls are amphibians, so they process a lot through their skin. If there’s a problem with the water tank, such as fungus, bacteria, or other contaminants, it will impact their health. You don’t want a belly-up buddy to be your first sign that something is wrong!

Start by cleaning every item going into the tank with hot water. This step is even more necessary if you’re using a used tank.

Tip #2: Include a Few Hideouts

Axolotls aren’t big fans of bright lights. They enjoy having a few dark places to hang out and relax during the day. Each axolotl is an individual, and you might not be able to anticipate what kind of hidey-hole your new pet will prefer.

Offer a few options and see where they gravitate. Some axolotls even have a few favored hangouts. The more options, the better!

Tip #3: Size Matters

When it comes to your axolotl tank, go big or go home! Some outdated books might tell you that a ten-gallon tank is big enough. Most adult axolotls cannot thrive in a tank that’s less than twenty gallons.

Tip #4: Keep It Cool

The ideal room for an axolotl tank will be cool year-round. Axolotls are a coldwater species and don’t do well with temperature fluxations or heat. Consider using an airstone to encourage heat exchange.

Tip #5: Don’t Sleep on Substrate

Axolotls are salamanders and will eat anything that even remotely looks like food. Marbles, stones, and gravel all fall into that category. You can read more info on axolotl diets here.

Instead, consider aquarium sand, slate, or tile. Amphibians like axolotls like a foothold. A bare tank can stress them out.

Make Your Axolotl Tank the Coolest Place to Chill

Every exotic pet requires extra labor if you want to ensure their comfort in an unlikely environment. Take extra care when setting up your new axolotl tank to keep your axolotl happy and healthy for years. It’s the best way to ensure that your funky-looking buddy will be around for a long time!

If you’re looking for more great tips for pet owners, you’re in the right place! Check out the rest of the blog for more animal advice from the experts. Your menagerie will stay in good shape with tips from the blog.