Temperature fluctuations?

[debadog]

Hey all,

My axolotl currently resides in my bedroom, to accommodate him I've turned the radiator off. I'm concerned because although his tank stays below 20C, the temperature fluctuations have been large and frequent, ranging from 17-20C. It's gotten so bad I don't know if it' would be worth considering putting a heater in to make sure the tank stays at 19/20C? I heard even little temperature fluctuations can cause a lot of stress and potentially make them sick

Has anyone else had experience with this or has any advice on what to do?

Thanks!

 

[Donna001]

I don't think that temperature fluctuations between 17C and 20C are classed as large.
I have attached a link to some information on another site, and I hope it is helpful.
Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity
I was under the impression that keeping your axie below 20C was important, and below 24C essential. I would have thought that a fluctuation from 10C to 20C would be considered large, but apparently axolotls can be kept in ponds in temperate regions.
I would suggest that, unless you are seeing signs of stress, then your axolotl is doing fine with his temperatre, and I wouldn't think that a heater would be a good idea (what if it malfunctiond and over-heated).
I have certainly had my tanks (in the living room) fluctuate between 16 and 19 over a 24 hr period.
If you are very concerned about keeping your temperature absolutely stable perhaps look at insulating your tank with polystyrene rather than adding a heater, but I really do think that is currently not required and that you are doing fine.

 

[debadog]

回复: Re: Temperature fluctuations?

I don't think that temperature fluctuations between 17C and 20C are classed as large.
I have attached a link to some information on another site, and I hope it is helpful.
Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity
I was under the impression that keeping your axie below 20C was important, and below 24C essential. I would have thought that a fluctuation from 10C to 20C would be considered large, but apparently axolotls can be kept in ponds in temperate regions.
I would suggest that, unless you are seeing signs of stress, then your axolotl is doing fine with his temperatre, and I wouldn't think that a heater would be a good idea (what if it malfunctiond and over-heated).
I have certainly had my tanks (in the living room) fluctuate between 16 and 19 over a 24 hr period.
If you are very concerned about keeping your temperature absolutely stable perhaps look at insulating your tank with polystyrene rather than adding a heater, but I really do think that is currently not required and that you are doing fine.

Hey Donna,

I'm sure you're right, i'm just still in those paranoid first stages when you think you're doing everything wrong. I read in a few places about temperature fluctuations (even of a few degrees) being really bad, including here: All About Axolotls: Axolotl Care
I'm quite relived you feel so strongly about the heater as it freaked me out too, I just wasn't sure how else I could manage to keep a stable temperautre. I am so not prepared to try and insulate or put the tank in a minifridge or whatever other nonsense as my animal is proudly displayed in my house and isn't hidden away in a basement, so I would like the tank to be accessible and attractive!
There is obviously a danger to being ignorant about axolotl husbandry but there is definitely also a danger in reading too much like I have - most of the information is frustratingly conflicting! Either they are such delicate snowflakes that they need to be constantly tended to or they are hardy enough to live in an outdoor pond with no filter - make up your minds! haha.

 

[Donna001]

Hey there. I haven't been around much recently as I've been having a big tank reorganisation and have been spending some time upgrading the fish tanks - and the axolotl tank. :happy:
I've had my gang for 11 months now and I'm not sure I've got out of those paranoid first stages.
I agree with the amount of information available, and how contradictory it can be. It's the same with fish. Sometimes it's worth going down the route of taking the average of all information available, adding a bit of common sense, and monitoring the behaviour and health of your axolotl.
Last summer this forum was full of people concerned with tank temperature, how to lower water temperature, etc. It's quite funny to consider how many people were probably thinking "yeah, heatwave", and then every temperature-sensitive pet owner was "when is this weather going to change?", "how many water bottles can I fit in the freezer if I don't have any food in there?", and "how much is a chiller unit or proper air con?"
As for the temperature fluctuations, I think it also depends on how quickly the temperature fluctuates. I think if it's a gradual change, as you are probably getting over 24 hours, it's not too noticable, but if your axolotl was moved from a 17C tank to a 20C tank it would probably come as a bit of a shock.
Hopefully some others will also share some of their temperature-related concerns and experiences.