Axolotl class pet being left over the weekend

[TsukikoMythos]

One of my biggest worries about the new axolotl I'll be getting for my high school class is leaving the little guy alone over the weekend.

I'm in the process of setting up a 10 gallon glass tank and won't be adding an axolotl till all of the kinks are ironed out, so this isn't a dire question. I have no idea how old the axolotl will be as I'll be (hopefully) buying him/her from a breeder on this site. If needed, I could always raise him/her at home until they're old enough to survive without hand feeding every day. But I'd really like the students to be able to experience the growth process.

I know they prefer live food (I plan on getting store-bought earthworms), but is there any kind of timed release food that would work to tide them over Saturday and Sunday? Or even the occasional three day weekend?

 

[TsukikoMythos]

Well, crud! I think I've posted this in a completely inappropriate place (noticed there was a whole section just for axolotls) and can't seem to figure out how to delete it! Sorry!

 

[tigmades]

Sorry, no time-release food that I know of... unless there's an automatic worm dispenser!
Have this link a go! Axolotls Home Alone

 

[tigmades]

Just to clarify, even if there was an automatic worm dispenser I wouldn't use it - water conditions could get fowled up too quickly!

 

[Bellabelloo]

I moved your post to the axolotl section

Depending on the size, the axolotl can be safely left over the weekend.

 

[Kaysie]

I've left my axolotls for up to 10 days without any problems.

 

[Minniechild]

When I started baby axolotls in the classroom, we found that live blackworms and a massive water volume was enough to keep them going over the weekend. When you set up the tank, it might be an idea to add in some Java moss, along with red cherry shrimp and/or guppies. They provide a good food source, and the shrimp act as an excellent cleaner crew.
As to tank volume, can you go larger? Whilst keeping an axie at those volumes is definitely possible, the larger you go, the easier it will be for you.

 

[TsukikoMythos]

When I started baby axolotls in the classroom, we found that live blackworms and a massive water volume was enough to keep them going over the weekend. When you set up the tank, it might be an idea to add in some Java moss, along with red cherry shrimp and/or guppies. They provide a good food source, and the shrimp act as an excellent cleaner crew.
As to tank volume, can you go larger? Whilst keeping an axie at those volumes is definitely possible, the larger you go, the easier it will be for you.

Thanks everyone for the responses!

That all sounds like a perfect idea! I was planning on getting a hunk of Java Moss along with some rooted plants. I'll definitely add a few cherry shrimp and guppies. I love any excuse to keep shrimp, they're so cute! I'll have to see about finding a source for blackworms.

It is definitely possible to upgrade to a larger tank in the near future, but I feel obligated to use this one at least until the juvie gets a little bigger if only because one of my students bought it brand new for me along with a ton of supplies. I don't want to hurt her feelings outright, especially since I was the one that asked if anyone had a used ten gallon tank (after reading a few websites that kept referencing that size).

 

[Minniechild]

Perhaps a good idea for the 10 gal is to set it up as a community tank next to the larger. I have a 25L that is currently brimming with guppies and shrimp along with two corys (Jacques and Groucho) which then feeds babies into the outdoor pond and adult axies' tank. You could have a class project where the students in groups come up with layouts for the tank (and have to justify why they're doing it), then together decide on the design and create it.

 

[TsukikoMythos]

Taking all your lovely input to consideration and after more research (and still probably not enough!) I'll be using the 10 gallon as a "treat" tank. I plan on raising cherry shrimp with lots of low anchored java moss for hiding and breeding and some marimo moss balls along two apple snails from another tank in need of rescuing from a new bully betta. I'll have the same pool sand substrate as the axie tank and a sponge filter over the intake of the waterfall filter. I'm going to stick with just this first and then slowly introduce some guppies.

I think my students will have a blast dropping the shrimp in with the axies and waiting for their impending doom. Kids seem fascinated with stuff like that (heck, I'M fascinated!). They're literally giddy with excitement over our new pets, especially after learning we're getting a GFP type. Now I need to hunt down a blacklight flashlight or something for the occasional "ooh, look at him glow!" moments. As it's an art class, the kids will surely start incorporating axolotls into projects and sketchbook assignments!

 

[herpvet]

I've left my axolotls for up to 10 days without any problems.

Hi,

Just had to comment here - whilst they may well not need actual care as such (in terms of feeding/maintenance etc) for 10 or more days, I have to say that I really think that's a bad idea if they're not being monitored - monitoring for problems is necessary. Problems can always arise - either with the artificial support mechanisms (filter, chiller, etc failure) or with the animals themselves - and an animal developing an illness or problem on day one of the absence could suffer an awful lot before anything was done about it

Obviously problems can occur in however short a period, but the longer the interval between checks the more potential for animal suffering. As a guideline checking at least every 24 hrs would be recommended, and I would certainly avoid more than 48 hrs if at all possible. There could be some argument over exactly what is acceptable in a particular case, but in the UK 10 days might well be considered (legally culpable) abandonment.

Sorry, don't want to sound too negative, but like all pets they do need checking for problems. A three-day (or longer) weekend would be pushing the limits of the acceptable in my opinion.

Hope this helps,

Bruce.

 

[Kaysie]

Thanks for your input, Bruce. I suppose that statement doesn't provide the whole story: the animals were kept very cold (40F or so), my herp sitter accidentally got locked out, etc. I never intended on them going that long without care, and was quite surprised when I only had one larval casualty.

 

[herpvet]

Thanks for your input, Bruce. I suppose that statement doesn't provide the whole story: the animals were kept very cold (40F or so), my herp sitter accidentally got locked out, etc. I never intended on them going that long without care, and was quite surprised when I only had one larval casualty.

Hi Kaysie,

Sorry, I didn't mean that to come across as a specific criticism, and I know such things happen. I just thought the general point should be made - it happens with fish and reptiles as well, people think they can be stable enough to leave for long periods (which in theory they can) but forget about the possibility of problems.

Bruce.

 

[Kaysie]

Solid advice, Bruce. I only meant my anecdote to say that axies can go for for periods of time and be fine. But I definitely agree; you shouldn't leave them for extended periods without care. I was lucky!