First Axolotl

[Enemy Of One]

I've been looking to get an axolotl for quite a while now, it was just a matter of trying to find one. Yesterday I finally did, I put 2 on hold one a very dark brown color, the other albino. I've been reading about them, I just need help with a few things.

For a tank I have a 40 gallon long, it's already cycled. I've been using it as a grow out aquarium for my fish, so it's established. How long would that last for two? And what size tank should I be looking at for the future?
I understand gravel is not safe to use, I have clean play sand in my 40, I know it's safe for fish but I'm not sure if its different for axolotls. Anyone know? Or should I just have the tank bare bottom?
I read that their skin is very delicate, so what should I have for decor? Just a few caves? How do they do with live plants? I know they're sensitive to bright lights so I'd need low light plants.
I think I have the food covered, I plan on putting them on a diet of bloodworms, mosquito larvae, plankton, mysis shrimp and brine shrimp (it's a mixture I give my tropical fish) as juveniles. As they grow I'll put them on larger foods like silversides, prawns, earthworms, scallops, muscles, shrimp, cod and krill. Are these all safe foods?
Another thing I'm having a hard time finding out is the temperature, I believe they're cold water, and need a temperature in the lower 60's is that correct? If so would a temperature around 64F be ok?

Thanks.

 

[Enemy Of One]

One more question, how often should I be feeding? Twice a day, once a day, once every other day?

 

[JessKB]

welcome to the forum!

40 gallons is a perfectly large enough tank for two axolotls for their whole lives.
Play sand is fine and is something many of us use. I keep planted axolotl tanks and they are fine with brighter light as long as you have something to dissapate the light (duckweed, floating anacharis, ect) and also enough places for them to hide.

The overall best food for them is earthworms. You can start them out on small worms and move up to night crawlers as they get bigger. The idea is to keep their stomach the same width as their head so if its smaller, feed more often, if it's larger, then cut back.

Your'e spot on with temperature.

your best resources to read are:
Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger Salamander
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Ambystoma mexicanum - Axolotl

 

[Enemy Of One]

Thanks for the links, I did come across them while reading about them as well. I've actually decided to get 3, one for each of us, but I'll be taking care of them as usual.
Now I have a bit of a concern, I read that young axolotls shouldn't be housed together due to nipping. So should I divide the tank up until they get a bit larger, or do you think they'll be fine?

 

[binkiesbuns]

Theres always going to be a danger of nipping but in a 40 gallon I wouldn't panic about 3 juvies. Just keep them well fed, provide plenty of hiding spots and monitor their behaviour.

 

[Mr Poseidon]

I have 2, 9+ in axis in a 20 gal long. as long as i keep em well fed theres no nipping. but if i miss one feeding they get nippy!