Newbie here, got few questions

[WaterWanderer]

Hi, newbie here,

I’ve been wanting to get axololt a for years! I'm looking to get an axololt by next year as for now I'm just getting bits by bits

So far I only got the api master kits test
The chemicals
And caves
And air pump
Indian Almond leaves
Some silk plants
Buckets
Siphon

I be moving into my boyfriend house, and he said he doesn’t care how much it will cost the aquarium and the stand he just want to get it for me after seeing me doing lots of research and taking notes, he did say he want two axolotl so it be more of his and mine,

What’s the best size to get an axolotl to know the gender I rather get two females or two males that wouldn’t breed. The store I go to sells one that are 5cm or 10cm

I have done my research and it's been a few months now that I'm still doing research just so I understand how everything works

What size tank do I need for my axolotl? Which one is the best size

What type of filtration system is best for an axolotl tank?

How often should I perform water changes, and what percentage of water should I change?

What should I feed my axolotl, and how often? Can I feed dry worm? Or frozen? I feel but squishy about live worms

Are there specific tank mates that are safe to keep with axolotls? That could help with keeping it clean?

How can I tell if my axolotl is healthy or if it has any health issues?

What are the best practices for handling an axolotl safely?

How do I clean the tank and decor without harming my axolotl?

What signs should I look for that indicate stress or discomfort in my axolotl?

I did look up on cycling but is it possible to buy Pre-matured sponge filters?

Do I need to add live plants? Do they smell when they are in tank? What plants are the best that doesn't grow?

I know it's lots of questions but I just want to make sure that's everything with be safe for my axolotl

I did post on Reddit but I had some negative comments saying I shouldn’t even own an axolotl I should just get a Betta for a beginner. Apparently it will cost a lot to get an axolotl for someone like me
To me it just sound like it be the same or nearly the same price with setting up and getting everything to cycle the tank
don’t know why they said that if I’m honest. I end up leaving from there, was being judge more there

Please be kind
Thank you

 

[JM29]

Hi,
Yes, that's a lot of questions, perhaps not in the good rank.

2 forgotten questions before :

- will its tank be in a room where the temperatures will not exceed 22 degrees Celsius (exceptionnally 25) ?

- is your tank large enough for an axolotl (minimum 0,1 square meter for 1 individual, about 30 liters) ?

 

[WaterWanderer]

Hi,
Yes, that's a lot of questions, perhaps not in the good rank.

2 forgotten questions before :

- will its tank be in a room where the temperatures will not exceed 22 degrees Celsius (exceptionnally 25) ?

- is your tank large enough for an axolotl (minimum 0,1 square meter for 1 individual, about 30 liters) ?

Sorry for the lots of questions don’t need to answer all of them I appreciate anything really

And boyfriend said it’s 182litr and the size is 122cmx45cmx36cm we just want to be sure before getting it. Don’t want to get a small tank I rather have a big one for them move around

And he did say he want the aquarium in the living room as it’s more cooler there,but he doesn’t know that I’m gonna buy a chiller, as someone is selling it to me for 80£.

 

[JM29]

What type of filtration system is best for an axolotl tank?

It will be your technical choice.
I don't have any filter but I have a lot of living plants, some wholly aquatic, other floating or semi-aquatic.
No problem for the last 22 years...

If you decide to put a filter, choose a solution which minimize teh water flow , because axies don't like strong flows.
Other people will certainly give you more accurate information about filters.

How often should I perform water changes, and what percentage of water should I change?

Difficult to say.
With a filter, monitor the nitrates and perform water changes when nitrates are too high.

What should I feed my axolotl, and how often? Can I feed dry worm? Or frozen? I feel but squishy about live worms

The only rule largely adopted is :
The belly should be as wide as the head.

Are there specific tank mates that are safe to keep with axolotls? That could help with keeping it clean?

Most tank mates are dangerous for axoltls, or axolotls are dangerous for other animals.
More information In Caudata Culture

How can I tell if my axolotl is healthy or if it has any health issues?

Watch the axolotl and search for abnormal colour patches, asymetry of gills, too thin body...
The behavior is also important. Axolotls are usually quiet, don't move a lot and stay on the bottom of the tank, often under shelters.

What signs should I look for that indicate stress or discomfort in my axolotl?

Unusual agitation, gills strongly curved forward, tail end curved are signs of stress.
A floating axolotl may also be stressed.

Do I need to add live plants? Do they smell when they are in tank? What plants are the best that doesn't grow?

Some keep axolotls successfully without live plants.
With the no filter option, I need live plants of course, and especially fast-growing plants (Egeria, Ceratophyllum, Bacopa, Salvinia).
Live plants always grow but some will grow very slowly in an axolotl tank (Anubias nana for example).
You must keep in mind that slow-growing plants will contribute little to the welfare of the tank inhabitants, except providing hides.