How much does (tank) size really matter??

[Lmantrone]

Hi all:

I recently brought home my two axies, Pinky and Jello, from my office at work. My hubby, who has been competing with them for my attention for the past year, is thrilled to have us all together under one roof. Now that he has interacted with them, he has become quite the fan of my little ones. My husband is currently advocating that our 30-gallon tank is not large enough for our two 8-inch axies. He has observed that Pinky and Jello are not very active and surmises it is because I have three different caves and they don't have enough room to move around (actually, it is two caves and a fake hollow log). What do you think?

P.S. I would post photos but I can't figure out how to do so.

 

[Kaysie]

You should let him know that adult axolotls really aren't all that active. In fact, too much activity is a sign of stress.

However, nobody here would ever advocate not getting a larger tank! The bigger the better! It gives you more room to decorate and a bigger buffer against water quality.

To attach pictures, click on the 'go advanced' button, and then 'manage attachments'.

 

[hacelepues]

30 gallons is usually plenty for 2 adults!

But it's never a bad thing to go bigger

 

[Minniechild]

Not to mention axie-holicism! (A serious problem around here, especially when you consider the co-morbidity of tank addiction...)
Having had axies at various times living in tupperware containers (the nice big ones), 20L tanks (Australian summers- they're brutal!!), my 4 ft tank (which I sold off to finance the 6ft ) , and currently an outdoor pond (Just until my dad and I get my 6x2x2 ft tank's stand built and the tank itself safely installed ), there is no such thing as enough water volume in a house hold. Axies can be quite happy in a smaller environment than you think, as long as there are hides and appropriate stimulation, but if you've got the space, go for the biggest tank you can fit/your floor will support (So glad I'm on a concrete slab!). In addition to stabilising your water parameters, you (and your axies!) will have a blast creating and exploring within the larger environment, and there's a better opportunity to add in plants and shrimp (properly quarantined!!) than in a smaller tank.