Question: Is my tank temperature too low?

[iheartaxie]

Hello! So exciting, this is my first post. Really glad to become a part of this active community as a new axi owner. I've only had my two lovely boys for a couple of weeks so far and have spent about 4 weeks obsessively learning everything I can about them.
Though they both seem happy, healthy and remarkably relaxed and energetic, I'm worried that it is too cold for them.
I remember reading on axototl.org that cold temperatures don't really bother axolotls and that they prefer it cooler, some can survive in outdoor ponds that frost over etc.
So I haven't provided any heating equipment but it's unexpectedly cold here at the moment. The temp today is 5.C and at night it drops a few degrees.
I read that below ten degrees axi's won't accept food and will slow down. As said before though mine are active and feeding well. I'm worried that their metabolism might slow however and the feeding could turn to 'bloating' them up. Is it harmful to them to continue feeding even though they're accepting it? And should I invest in some heating equipment to use over this cold spell?
I live in a bedsit and my electricity is on meter (I know, very 1970s) which means that while I'm home, in the evenings only, I put on the electric fire, giving the axis a few hours of warmth. I can't afford to have it on all the time. But I'm worried that this constant change in temperature could have a bad effect on my little guys
What should I do?

 

[lollypop]

Do you have a thermometer in your tank?

My heating is off most of the time and my tanks are running at about 18 (there not near outside walls, and I'm a mid terrace so nick everyone else's heat)

But I would say if there still eating then you have nothing to worry about. After all putting them in the fridge is a bit of a cure all

I also think you'll find it's higher temps that stress them more.

If you take note of the tank temps without heat on and then after its been on for a while, see if it makes a drastic difference. After all there are natural heat changes throughout the day, and drops at night so I wouldn't imagine it's anything to worry about. But the actual tank temps and their behaviour will tell you the most.

 

[iheartaxie]

I don't currently have a thermometer, it's on my 'need to get' list so I'm not sure about the exact temperature. I think perhaps you are right as obviously my flat won't be as cold as it is outdoors and like you it's an attatched property on all sides. So maybe it's not as cold as I estimated. Thank you so much, you've really helped me relax. I'm scutinizing everything I do with them at the moment because they're my first pair and want them to flourish and be happy but yes, will get a themometer tomorrow and do some checks. Cheers