Tank set-up information please! I'm really confused!

[Aqua315]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and am looking for some information about what exactly it takes to set up an axolotl tank. I've been all over the internet and everything I've read is completely conflicting. I've read some sites that say a 10g is good for 2 axolotls and others that say you need a 20g minimum for just one. I've also seen some sites claim sand is the best substrate while others insist it can make them sick and only slate or a bare bottom tank should be used. Some say filters aren't even necessary (which as a fish-keeper I find hard to believe anyway) while some say a hang on back filter is fine as long as the water level is kept up, and some say only a canister filter with a spray bar is acceptable. Some say an airstone needs to be used to keep the water oxygenated and some don't specify. The only thing anyone seems to agree on is that a heater is not needed. I'm also confused as to whether it's better to keep two together (once they're adults) or whether one would be fine alone. I know there can be a difference of opinion but this seems a little extreme. I hope someone here can help clear things up for me! Thanks!

 

[snuggly time]

Welcome,

I think the general rule is the bigger the tank you can get, the better for your axolotls. I personally think 10g would be too small for two axolotls. I would recommend a tank with as much floor space as possible as they are bottom dwellers. I made the mistake of buying a small tank, and soon bought a second bigger one to give my axie more space to walk around.

I know a lot of people use sponge filters for their axies, and siphon out any food and poop when they see it. If you want to use an internal power/flow filter it's best to choose one which doesn't create a big flow, or block the flow with ornaments or plants etc. Axolotls don't like a strong current (I'm guessing this is why sponge filters are so popular).

I think it's up to your own personal preference which substrate you use (except the general no gravel rule). Sand is OK, just be careful which sand you use if you go for it. There are plenty of threads on here about which sand is ideal. Bare bottom tank is OK too, I have this as I don't want my axolotl to swallow any - Even though they can pass it easily. Sand does look better though and gives them something to grip onto!
Keeping axolotls together is OK too, as long as they are a similar size. If one is bigger it would have an advantage over the smaller one. There is always the risk of them nipping at each other, and in a lot of cases biting off anothers limbs. I've read that this sometimes happens by mistake during feeding as they have poor eyesight. The majority of the time they can live peacefully together though

Hope this helps =)

 

[Bdyoung]

Here's a video I made that will help you.
How To: Set Up An Axolotl Tank HD - YouTube

 

[Aqua315]

I watched the video and it was very informative! I still have a few questions though. I've never used a sponge filter before so how do they work? Do they just hook up to an air pump? Also, do you need to stir the sand or avoid it during water changes? I've only ever had gravel with my fish before so I don't know. I saw a tank that had a slate bottom that was basically sealed into the bottom of the tank but I'm not sure how expensive that would be. I'm considering going with river rock since I could just get those at my local garden store and then I wouldn't have to worry about the water getting cloudy. I've used Tetra Safe Start with my fish tanks and it cycled it in just a few days, would this be okay to use with the axolotl tank? I also use API Stress Coat for dechlorination so would that work too? Lastly, if I get a 20g long and start with two juveniles, should I get a tank divider to keep them separate until they're big enough to not be a danger to one another? Sorry for all the questions!

 

[EmbryH]

It's fine to stir around the sand a little bit. (and by stir, I mean when I'm using the little vacuums; not actually churning the sand) I'll push the pipe into it a little bit to get mucky bits out. Just pull it above the surface of the sand, hold it vertically, and shake it a little bit to get most of the sand back out. It settles fairly quickly and doesn't cloud up the water for too long.

I would personally use a tank divider while they're still juveniles because they tend to lean a little more towards cannibalism when they're younger. I'm pretty sure it's because they're growing so much so they want to eat EVERYTHING. I'm sure it's not a mandatory thing, but just in case.

 

[Aqua315]

Thanks so much. What about Tetra Safe Start and API Stress Coat? Are they safe to use with axolotls?

 

[EmbryH]

I don't know about Tetra Safe Start. Does it say it's safe for amphibians? I've been using Reptisafe for several months and I like it much better than the treatment I was using before. It disperses very nicely and evenly throughout the water instead of clumping up in a jelly goo, and my water has been in a stable, good condition since I started using it (not that it was crazy before, but it's worth noting that it's doing a good job)

Godric and Misha haven't been complaining yet

 

[SuperSteve]

A 2 ft tank is big enough for 2 adults and in my opinion sand is the best substrate. I don't have an airstone in any of my tanks as they don't like flowing water and I read somewhere that the bubbles could damage the gills. That might not be entirely accurate though because a lot of websites try to scare you. I've found that axolotls are really easy to care for and the key things are-
- Sufficient tank space
- A not too powerful filter or regular water changes
- Constant supply of food (ideally live)

Don't worry too much about temperature you should be able to be really flexible. I think the absolute lowest is 10c and absolute highest is 25c.