Question: Axolotl Pond?

[MunchBunny]

Hi everyone, first of all I am new to the forum, so it's nice to meet you all.
I've had my axolotl (Munchkin) for about a year now but still don't know much about them and this is why I decided to join this forum as it seems very helpful and I want to take better care of my axolotl.

Anyway, at the moment my axo is in a 60L aquarium, and it's starting to get a little small for him. Also the temperature in the tank is crazy high most of the time (during the summer months) as it is around 24 but sometimes even up to 28!
I was thinking getting a bigger tank might bring the temperature down but I simply don't have the money atm to buy one. So my partner thought of the idea: why not put the axolotl in a pond? Now since I barely know a thing about axo's I decided to ask all of you what you think of putting an axolotl in a pond and if it's a good idea or not. I was thinking it might still get too hot during the summer and too cold during the winter.
If it's not a good idea please give me advice on how to lower my tanks temp 'cause I don't want to make my axolotl sad.

Thanks for your help!

 

[melfly]

I think people do keep axolotls in ponds.
The things to worry about are obviously temperature, diseases from things already in the pond and predators.

I also think that axolotls are too gorgeous for ponds. You wouldn't see him/her much.

Have you looked around for second hand tanks?

What are the dimensions of the tank?
Have you tried any cooling methods? Ice bottles etc?
You could always fridge him while its too warm. They can be in the fridge for the whole summer if need be.

Mel

 

[MunchBunny]

Hi Mel,

I do agree that you wouldn't see the axo as much in a pond and the reason I got it is because of it's looks! Also, I've got two cats who go outside so I don't think the axo stands a chance in a pond.

I haven't looked for a second hand tank, but I will def do that once I've got some moneys.

The dimensions of the tank: 57 x 30 x 35cm (LxWxH)
I haven't tried much to cool the water down simply 'cause I don't know any methods. I will try the ice bottles and see if that helps, if not I guess I might have to put Munchkin in the fridge. I didn't know they could live in the fridge for a whole summer.

xMunchBunny

 

[Azhael]

Keeping axolotls in an outdoor pond is not advisable unless you can guarantee it is completely isolated.
Otherwise, the axolotl might be predated on, you risk introducing patogens into wild populations if there are amphibians in the area, and in this case, those amphibians might get eaten by the axolotl (and that´s not good).

If you are having trouble to find the money right now, you have two options. Either look for a second hand tank (sometimes you get lucky and find big ones for a very cheap price) as has already been suggested, or get a plastic container instead. Big tupperwares are cheap, and you can find some of over 90l. It would make for a very practical temporal solution.

Also, check this link:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cooling.shtml

 

[vladimere]

Hi. Munch a pond sounds like a great idea, but as the others say, you would have to make sure nothing could get in to prey on them. Another problem is if you wish to view them you would have to look down on them(which does take away the thrill from it) Unless your like myself and my daughter, ours are in a 500L modified spa bath in our kitchen. Winter isn't too bad for temp, worse it has ever got down to has been 11 degrees. Keeping it cool in summer was a massive pain till we modified a little bar fridge to act as the tanks chiller, which keeps the temp at 17/18degrees.

 

[MunchBunny]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will give up on the pond idea since it seems too much hassle and I would barely see my cute axolotl.
We do have a 200L tank but it has no lid (This was mentioned in a post my partner decided to make http://www.caudata.org/forum/242197-post1.html)
I know it'll be easy to make a mesh lid for it but what about dirt i.e cat hairs or dust getting in the water? Or will a filter take care of that? Also we have no place to put such a big tank so it may have to go on the ground, although I've read that could sometimes lower the temp also. What do you think?

xMunchBunny
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f57-axolotl-free-all/69964-advice-please.html

 

[Azhael]

I wouldn´t worry about dust, it´s not a problem. Just make sure to use fine mesh so that not everything can go through. I make all my lids with fine wire or fibre glass mesh and it works wonderfully. If you are very paranoid about it, you could use fine cloth which will still allow sufficient gas exchange, but i really think this is unnecessary.
That´s right, placing the tank on the ground will lower the temp since temperatures close to the ground are always milder than higher up. It´s a bit less aesthetical, but hey...we sometimes have to sacrifice something and better aesthetics than animal well-being.

A 200l tank will make a very good home for your axolotl!!

 

[MunchBunny]

I am now using ice bottles in my little tank and it's working wonders so far as I have brought it down to 18c (I'm using big bottles though as small ones didn't seem to do much).
How can I keep the temperature steady? I don't want my axolotl to freak out because of the constant temp change.

Azhael, how do you make your lids? Is it basically the mesh with a wooden frame?

The tank is a little bit under 200L but it's very long so indeed perfect for an axolotl (I am even thinking of getting another one if it all works out!! )
It hasn't been used for ages though, so we will have to check if it's still water tight, but I hope it all works out.

xMunchBunny

 

[Azhael]

If you isolate the tank the ice bottles will be much more effective and temps won´t fluctuate so much.

Yes, i do make them with a wooden frame and mesh. Sometimes i go a bit more complex depending on what the lid is for, but that´s the basic.

If you do get another axolotl, just make sure to quarantine it first!!!