Question: Adult axolotls in their tanks

[purplemuffin]

Hi, as a future axolotl owner, I have done a lot of research...One of the big topics seems to be tank size. I see a lot of people buy 5 baby axolotls and put them in a ten gallon, expecting them to be fine as they get bigger... Simply because they are so small as babies!

I'd like to see different adults (if you know their size in inches of cm please tell me!) with pictures of them in their tank (with the size tank told as well!)

I feel like it would help both me and other future axolotl owners get an idea of how big these guys can get, and how much room they really need. Someone with a 29 gallon tank could see how full it would look with 1 axolotl..Someone with a 5 gallon tank could see how their tank is too SMALL for an adult axolotl! And people can see for themselves the proper stocking level for each tank size considering the size of the axolotl! Or even help people figure out what size tank they want next, a large one with a few axolotls, a large one with only one spoiled axolotl? Or a smaller individual sized tank.

I really hope people contribute! I feel like this could be an extremely helpful thread!

 

[Chirple]

Mine is not full-grown yet, but

She's maybe 5-6in / 10-12cm and the tank is 10 gallons (I've since redecorated a bit).

From what I've read, this is about HALF adult size. So, I plan on upgrading to at least a 20 gallon tank or a 30 in the future. I feel like 10 gallons is a decent size now, but might get cramped if she gets very big.

 

[purplemuffin]

Thanks so much! That's such a good visual example!

 

[Loobylou]

Lovely tank Chirple, and I don't want to be critical but that sand needs to be less than 1" thick. If it's too deep, gasses get trapped under the sand and can cause problems in the tank.

 

[Marian]

It's a nice setup you have there, but as Loobylou said, too much sand can create some problems when toxic gas builds up. Does any of you think that gravel snails or better yet clams could help with the gas problem? I have some gravel snails in my nano tank and they dig through the substrate like there is no tomorrow. Too bad they are so small, I bet that if my axie will see them on the surface, they would be dead meat.

OFFTOPIC: I'm just watching my axie right now and he is digging under some decoration tubes made from ceramic. He's so funny, playing in the sand...

 

[natjobe]

Does any of you think that gravel snails or better yet clams could help with the gas problem? I have some gravel snails in my nano tank and they dig through the substrate like there is no tomorrow. Too bad they are so small, I bet that if my axie will see them on the surface, they would be dead meat.


Unfortunately snails can cause impaction. Not Good for the cute little axies!