New axolotl owner

[Arbourowl]

Hi guys, I was given an axolotl a few weeks back from a family member, unfortunately it doesn't seem to have been cared for very well. When I went to pick it the water was dark green and smelt vile tbh. Anyways I got him/her home, cleaned the tank and filter and I've managed to get the talk nice and clean and cycled. The problem is, he/she has got that used to been in the dark that it will not come out from under its rock whenever the light is on.

I know they don't need light but I was wondering if there is any type of lighting that my axolotl will appreciate? He/she won't even come out to feed if the light is on.

Learning as I go so any helpful tips would be appreciated

 

[axlotl boy]

Might sound silly but try one of them magnetic cleaners my tank is never dirty enough to need one but i bought one anyway n i run it up and down the tank and my axlotl swims up to it n follows it its very inquisitive its mybwayvof intereacting with him could give it a go hope it helps and hope you solve ur problem

 

[TatoTesla]

Axolotls are typically sensitive to lighting and they don't really need any kind of lighting. But for some people, lighting is a must for the display aspect of the tank or if plants are present in the tank. I personally like the look of my tank with a light but my axies don't seem to mind it very much. If you want to keep a light, or if you have plants that need a light, an ordinary aquarium light should be fine (though sometimes natural light can be very nice if the tank setup is near a window), I would suggest adding a few more hides (e.g. terra-cotta pots, slate rocks, etc.) in the tank so that your axolotl friend will have more places to use as cover from the light if it needs to. That way, it can eliminate the stress of the new enclosure by providing more "safe" hiding places if needed. :happy:

 

[cabbysarus]

You could always just add more plants. They will help block out the light and hopefully make him/her feel safer... and you might have a better chance of seeing him/her