Question: New to Axolotls

[ViolentJ]

Hi,

This will be my first ever Axolotl so I'd like some feedback on whether this set up is suitable.

I've already established that the tank size is ok by speaking to other owners but it's a bow front Boyu 550 (28UK/30US gallons) It roughly measures 20"x 21" x 22" and I have a TetraTec EX700 external filter on it. The outlet has a spray bar on it that runs down the glass at the back. I've sat watching the flow and it looks to me to be minimal enough, it doesn't sway the plants which seems positive to me.

The sand is play sand, the plants are fake and the 2 rocks in the tank are far too big to swallow.

I've put the lights on to take the picture but I wasn't planning on using them otherwise.

The black strip that you can see doesn't indicate the back of the tank (as I'm sure you can actually see), it was used to hide a rear chamber which I have removed. Hopefully it will act as a hiding place. I believe with the black "background" and all the plants that it's enough of a hide area not to have to use caves etc?

Something I'm not sure about is can they climb? There is approx a 6" gap between the water and top of the tank and although the hood looks like a good fit, the back of the hood has 2 very large holes in and I'm wondering whether the plants would act as a ladder to them?

 

[Shizeric]

Good looking tank, you've done most everything correctly. Do not worry about the Axolotls climbing up the plants in the back or escaping out of the holes. I would however, include a hide in the tank. The plastic plants and black background do not constitute a hide, and you should place a hide in there. I have seen some pretty neat hides that would look good in your setup, so if aesthetics is your main worry, just have a look around. Welcome to the world of Axolotls!

 

[ViolentJ]

Thank you for the feedback. The hide is sorted now. I had some natural slate tiles outside so I've broken one down and smoothed off the edges and rested it on some stones at the back amongst the plants.