Is 10 gallons too small?

G

george

Guest
Well, I've been reading about axolotls for a few days now and I'm pretty much set on getting one. However, I only have space for a 10 gallon aquarium (which I already have). I've read in many places that a 10 gallon should be the minimum for an adult axolotl, but is seems kind of small to me. I mean, the axie can get up to a foot long, and I don't hear a lot of people recommending to put foot long fish into a 10 gallon aquarium. Is it a special case with the axolotl, that they can live in smaller than usual quarters?

Thanks.

P.S.: this forum is really great!
 
I'd remember that the axolotls you buy aren't usually fully grown, and the type of axie you choose will influence how big they will get (debatable however.)
I'd get one now knowing that you *might* need a bigger tank in the future.
Also remember that they aren't the most active of creatures!
ps - make sure you read about cycling etc.
 
Axolotls reach 6 inches fairly quickly, but growth beyond that point is very very slow. If you get a juvenile, it could live in a 10-gallon tank for at least the first year or two. But it would be more comfortable and you'd have less worries about water quality if the tank were larger. If you can afford the cost and space, I would definately recommend a larger tank.
 
So if I get it as a juvenile it can pretty much stay in a 10 gallon? Is its growth stunted if I keep it in a 10 gallon? Also, would a 20 gallon tall be any better, since its only 4 inches longer, but a lot taller. I read that axies don't necessarily need the water level very high. Perhaps I can find a 20 gallon long somewhere, but I haven't seen them around. How much would a 20 gallon long cost?

Thanks.
 
I'd say a 20 would be better? They don't *need* too deeper water, but i'd say it'd be beneficial. more room for plants, hiding places etc.
 
more water= easier to maintain, id go for the 20 long if you could though, axies dont really use the hight all that much but do appreciate extra length
 
I bought my 20longs for about $25. Check Walmart, they've usually got some tanks in stock.
 
I would research the actual measurement of various tanks and go with the surface area rather than gallons. A ten gallon is only 20x10x12 (I think?), a 15 gallon is 24x12x12, 20 long is 30x12x12, etc. A 15 gallon gives you a little more room, but a 20 gallon long give you more bottom surface area. You can also have underwater ledges and shelves with caves that will make a difference. Axolotls are very heavy-bodied animals and fairly impressive in size (adult) which means they excrete more waste than a small newt. They are great pets to have and are like no other caudate in behavior and personality! I like when they kind of float in the plants only to stick there head out to see who entered the room
happy.gif
 
Twenty long would be fine. better I think than reg.20. mine is 30 in. long. i got mine at a pet store for 35.00. I have no need for hood, and they don't need a heater. i use an aquaclear filter, turned down low. you can always check on ma and pop aquarium stores for the long, or ask The big chains to spec.order. Good luck. i say get the biggest one you can to begin with, because you will just end up getting a bigger one later. I started out with a 10 gall. and within a week , wished I'd purchased the20 l0ng, which i then went out and bought, and had to do the switch. I have space considerations or would have a much larger one. I then got another axie, and now my first one moves around allot more. (he is slightly smaller)
 
The 20 tall would not be significantly better than the 10 gallon. It would provide more water volume, which is good, but it would not provide significantly more "living space".
 
btw, is there restrictions about owning axolotls in California? If so, what are they?
 
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