ArwenX7
New member
Hi everyone! Over the few months I have been looking to add another pet to my life. I've fancied keeping fish or amphibians in the past, but the initial cost of a decent sized aquarium and all the bits put me off. As well as the fact I moved around lot!
Now however, I have got a 64l (61cm x 44cm x33cm ) tank from a colleague at work to start me off
Now I have a tank, I find I am drawn more to keeping amphibians than fish.
I've thought about getting an axolotl as I've ready they are pretty hardy animals, and are suitable for a cold water tank and ideal for beginners to keep. My house is not the warmest so I think running a cold tank would be easier (correct me if I am wrong).
Although I have been reading up on keeping them, I still have some questions.
1. Tank size/Dimensions. Is "floor space" more important to Axolotls than water depth? And if so, what is a good size for keeping two axolotls in together? I figure that my current tank is probably only suitable for one axolotl?
2. Plants and things - I would love to have a carpet of green "grass" at the bottom of the tank and lovely lush plants, however are there any benefits to using live plants over fake plants for axolotl? If using fake plants do I need to be wary of plants/bits of plants that the axolotl could possibly try and eat? I've noticed a lot of people have a mirrored bottom tank, do Axolotls like seeing their reflection? I like the ideal of using pvc pipes as hides, what size of pipe is suitable for an adult axolotl and do you need to treat it before putting it in the tank?
3. Food - Pellets or live or frozen? Or a mix ? When feeding other pets I always find they get bored of eating the same thing every day... Is there a general rule that axolotls do better on a particular food, or is variety good for them? From what I have read they are not usually fussy!
4.Stand-by things - I am completely new to aquatics. Is there such a thing as a fist aid kit for them that if something were to happen I could help them? I've ready about tea and salt baths, but I don't really know what they are, or how often people need to do them. Is there certain tools, tricks, etc that I should have and read up on ? Should I use a net to move the axolotl from the tank if need be or is it better to simply scoop them out in a plastic tub? Feel free to send me links on this subject
Sorry for all the questions, but I prefer to do my research before buying a new pet. I'm visiting my local aquatics shop today to pick up hopefully all I need to sett the tank up. Next I just need to find somewhere to buy an axolotl from! So if anyone knows someone in Scotland who is selling some, or will have some ready early next year, please let me know.
Now however, I have got a 64l (61cm x 44cm x33cm ) tank from a colleague at work to start me off
I've thought about getting an axolotl as I've ready they are pretty hardy animals, and are suitable for a cold water tank and ideal for beginners to keep. My house is not the warmest so I think running a cold tank would be easier (correct me if I am wrong).
Although I have been reading up on keeping them, I still have some questions.
1. Tank size/Dimensions. Is "floor space" more important to Axolotls than water depth? And if so, what is a good size for keeping two axolotls in together? I figure that my current tank is probably only suitable for one axolotl?
2. Plants and things - I would love to have a carpet of green "grass" at the bottom of the tank and lovely lush plants, however are there any benefits to using live plants over fake plants for axolotl? If using fake plants do I need to be wary of plants/bits of plants that the axolotl could possibly try and eat? I've noticed a lot of people have a mirrored bottom tank, do Axolotls like seeing their reflection? I like the ideal of using pvc pipes as hides, what size of pipe is suitable for an adult axolotl and do you need to treat it before putting it in the tank?
3. Food - Pellets or live or frozen? Or a mix ? When feeding other pets I always find they get bored of eating the same thing every day... Is there a general rule that axolotls do better on a particular food, or is variety good for them? From what I have read they are not usually fussy!
4.Stand-by things - I am completely new to aquatics. Is there such a thing as a fist aid kit for them that if something were to happen I could help them? I've ready about tea and salt baths, but I don't really know what they are, or how often people need to do them. Is there certain tools, tricks, etc that I should have and read up on ? Should I use a net to move the axolotl from the tank if need be or is it better to simply scoop them out in a plastic tub? Feel free to send me links on this subject
Sorry for all the questions, but I prefer to do my research before buying a new pet. I'm visiting my local aquatics shop today to pick up hopefully all I need to sett the tank up. Next I just need to find somewhere to buy an axolotl from! So if anyone knows someone in Scotland who is selling some, or will have some ready early next year, please let me know.