I´m sure your father has had good success with them, and his aproach is indeed possible. I know some universities house their axolotls in the bare minimum conditions with an strict cleaning routine and adequate filtration.
The thing about such a method (small volume, no plants, hygienic conditions) is that it requires effort, and possibly daily maintenance to be sustained. Also, it can be argued that this method´s only purpose is to provide with the minimum necessary requirements, with little emphasis in life quality.
I, like many others, just think that things can be quite easier for the hobbyist and the animals, and that´s why we recommend a bigger volume. A big enough tank, with lots of plants (and filter suplementation if desired), requires very little maintenance, and that´s why we find it is recommendable.
As always, inside the hobby, opinions vary, and so do each person´s possibilities. However, i can tell you from experience, and i´m sure your dad would agree with me, that when possible, offering a larger space is always good. In some cases it´s the difference between surviving and truly thriving.
Just a little thing more. I ignore your situation, so i´m just guessing here, please excuse me if i´m wrong. I expect the experience your father has, means that he has his routine, he knows what he is doing. However, if you are just starting with the hobby, you don´t have that yet and you might want to go for an easier aproach, until you build up experience...and for that purpose, the bigger the tank, the easier to keep.
roud:
