Question: Is there an axy stocking calutator?

[kitt]

I currently have 3 axolotls. I am upgrading them soon to either a 5 x 2 x 2 or a 6 x 2 x 2 tank depending on what I can get. I would like to add some friends for my guys. I am looking to see what an apropiate stocking level would be. I am planning on adding shelves and lots of hiding spots of course.
Thanks a lot

 

[auntiejude]

As a general rule, adult axies need 1 foot of tank width each, this formula says a 6 foot tank could comfortably house 6 axies.

But you can also go on volume - 10gal/40L per axie. This says you could have 17 axies in your 6 foot tank - which is just silly.

Neither method is perfect, and there is no perfect answer.

You have think sensibly, I would say more than 6 in a 6 foot tank, but not as many as 17. I would probably go for 8 or 9. ( or 7 in a 5 ft tank)

And it's not just space - it's environment too. A well planned tank can have more axies than a 'chuck some plants and a cave in there'. You should have as many hides as axies and that takes up space too.

You also have to consider identifying parents if they breed, whether you can afford to feed them all, the cost of running the tank (electricity, water & treatments etc), and whether your floor will support a tank that size (6 ft tanks weighs about 700kg).

 

[Kaysie]

From experience, attached shelving in fully aquatic tanks is a pain. If I were to do shelves again, I'd make them so they 'lift out' so you can clean under them more easily.

I kept 5 axolotls comfortably in a 4 foot (55gal) tank. With a 'breeder' tank (which is wide, rather than the standard narrow tanks), you have a lot more wiggle room when it comes to axolotls. You could probably keep 7 or 8 in a 5 foot breeder.

 

[kitt]

Hiya, thanks both of you this has given me a lot to think about. The tank I get wether its 5ft or 6ft wouldnt be a standard narrow tank anyway. It will be 2ft deep and 2ft high also. I know that footprint is more important to axolotls than height. If I see one I would perfer to get a 5ft wide x 2ft deep and 1ft-1.5ft high if possable. The tank will be downstairs on a solid concrete floor so weight wont be an issue thankfully.

 

[Kaysie]

Just out of curiosity, where on earth do you get a 6 foot breeder? It's like a bath tub! And I want one... or 10.

 

[auntiejude]

Built to order just up the road from me:
ND Aquatics

 

[Kaysie]

I suppose ND doesn't stand for North Dakota. lol

 

[auntiejude]

I suppose ND doesn't stand for North Dakota. lol

Haha! 'Fraid not....

 

[axowattyl]

I have a 6x2x2 with 5 axolotls in it at the moment.

I would say that 8 would be the absolute maximum I would put in it.

I think you're on the right track going with the 2' wide tank for axies, rather than the standard narrow 6 footer, as for them it's more about floor space.