Question: Lighting for axolotls

[Whitney]

How many hours a day do you have the light on? Mine seem to hate lights. Is there a better type? I love my axies and want what's best for them!

 

[auntiejude]

Leave the lights off. Simple.
Axies don't have eyelids, so bright light is not suitable.

If you absolutely MUSt have light you need to choose subdued lights, which you will either have to create yourself using LEDs or pay a lot of money for.

 

[PatchworkClocks]

Most people who have lights in their tank only have them there for the purpose of photography, they only have the lights on to take pictures, and turn them off directly afterward.

 

[xxianxx]

Lighting is great if you wish to establish a fully planted tank, couldn't recommend it highly enough. The plants remove nitrates etc from the water keeping the water quality better, allow a high level of cover which axolotls enjoy, remember they come from weed choked canal systems. The plants also help invertebrates to colonize the tank for additional snacks for the axolotls. How ever , if you dont want plants dont bother with lighting the tank. 8-10 hours per daylighting is what the plants require.

 

[Whitney]

Thanks guys! I appreciate it! I haven't been keeping lights on but I was making sure that was ok.

 

[xxianxx]

If the plants are not established make sure you provide plenty of hides for the axolotls to get out of the light if they wish.