Keeping an axolotl as a pet is a unique experience not many aquarists have enjoyed.
These amphibians are relatively hardy and make great pets, but they are unique critters, and you need to consider the requirements for an axolotl tank before getting your pet.
With a Custom Aquarium, you can give your axolotl a long and happy life (10-15 years under proper care!).
We’ll show you the type of aquariums we recommend, along with some advice for the tank size, decor, and proper temperature.
Custom Axolotl Aquariums
Even though axolotls are classified as amphibians, they are mainly aquatic, so your axolotl aquarium only needs to contain water.
Speaking of water… Axolotl tanks should hold no less than 20 gallons. Also note that the tank’s length is more important than its height, as your axolotl will mostly roam around the bottom of the tank.
We offer many fish tank designs that give your axolotl all the space it needs. The aquarium shapes you can choose from are square, cube, rectangle, pentagon, and hexagon.
If you know what you’re looking for, check out our standard aquarium sizes and packages! Or, start designing a custom axolotl tank today!
Axolotl Aquarium Requirements
Axolotl Tank Size
To reiterate, your axolotl aquarium should hold at least 20 gallons of water. There is no “maximum size” tank, either. Your pet will be happiest when it has room to roam, and the more water there is in the tank, the more chemically stable the water becomes.
Axolotl Aquarium Filtration
Axolotl tanks need to be filtered just like any fish tank, but axolotls prefer slow-moving water, so a low-power filter or sump will be the best option.
A sponge filter is an excellent option for smaller tanks that don’t need a huge flow rate. For example, a young axolotl will do just fine in a 20-gallon tank with a flow rate of only 10 gph. This will effectively clean the water without stressing or injuring your pet.
Axolotl Tank Decor
Substrate
One of the best substrates for an axolotl tank is fine aquarium sand. Sand is very soft, aesthetically pleasing, and less likely to cause ingestion than aquarium gravel.
To avoid the risk of ingestion altogether, you can also use ceramic, slate, or silicone-covered tile. These safe options are comfortable for axolotls, even though they’re not as soft, and you’ll never worry about your pet ingesting substrate.
Hides
An aquarium hide is a necessity in an axolotl tank. You can include realistic cave decorations that give your pet a sense of security, while also improving the natural look of your tank. If space allows, you can add multiple hides to the bottom of the tank, and your axolotl can decide on its favorite spots.
Aquascaping Rocks and Plants
Realistic decor like rocks, plants, and driftwood play a vital role in axolotl tanks. We offer various weighted aquascaping rocks that sink to the bottom of the aquarium, so your pet can’t tip them over or get stuck underneath.
Living and artificial plants also help your tank look more aesthetically pleasing and natural. Keep in mind that living plants help filter the water, while artificial ones do not. However, axolotls don’t need a lot of light, so artificial plants may be a better option.
Bubble Wand/Airstone
Equipment that makes bubbles, like bubble wands and airstones, produces oxygen, allowing your axolotl to breathe underwater.
Your axolotl may even play in the bubbles for some entertainment. Many axolotls will swim into the bubbles, ride them up to the top, and float back down like their own personal carnival ride.
Axolotl Tank Temperature
Axolotls are cold-blooded creatures and need some help maintaining their body temperature. But they don’t like it too hot.
The temperature should range from 55°-70°F. Water temperatures outside this range can cause discomfort and stress, so have a thermometer in place and check it regularly.
Explore our Axolotl Aquariums
Discover our Aquarium Sizes and see if we can create the perfect home for your axolotl!
To learn more about designing your own aquarium, check out our Configurator or get in touch with us!
