Keeping an axolotl as a pet is a very unique experience that not many aquarists have enjoyed.
These amphibians are relatively hardy and make great pets. But they are unique 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 animals. So, your axolotl aquarium will only need to contain water.
Speaking of water… Axolotl tanks should hold no less than 20 gallons. You should also note, the aquarium length is more important than the height, as your axolotl will mostly roam around the bottom of the tank.
We offer many custom tank designs that give your axolotl all of the space it needs. Some aquarium shapes you can choose from are:
- Square Aquariums
- Cube Aquariums
- Rectangle Aquariums
- Pentagon Aquariums
- Hexagon Aquariums
Keep in mind, our aquariums are custom-built and designed by you. Visit our Aquarium Configurator and start designing your 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.
If you have an idea of the type of tank you’d like for your axolotl, check out our aquarium packages and specials.
Axolotl Aquarium Filtration
Axolotl tanks need to be filtered just like any other 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 significant flow rate. For example, a young axolotl will do just fine in a 20-gallon tank with a flow rate of only 10gph. This will effectively clean the water, but also won’t stress out or injure your axolotl.
Axolotl Tank Decor
You can get as creative as you’d like with your tank decor, but some decors and substrates are better suited for axolotls than others.
Substrate
One of the best substrates for an axolotl tank is fine aquarium sand. Sand is very soft, looks aesthetically pleasing, and is less likely to cause ingestion compared to aquarium gravel.
To avoid the risk of ingestion altogether, you can also use ceramic, slate, or silicone-covered tile. These options are very safe and comfortable for axolotls, even though they’re not soft like sand. And you’ll never have to worry about your pet ingesting any substrate.
Hides
An aquarium hide is a necessary piece of decor 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 his favorite locations.
Aquascaping Rocks and Plants
Realistic decors like rocks, plants, and driftwood play an important role in axolotl tanks. We offer various sizes of weighted aquascaping rocks that sink to the bottom of the aquarium, so your pet can’t tip it over or get stuck underneath it.
Living and artificial plants also help your tank look more aesthetically pleasing and natural. Keep in mind, 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 best solution.
Click on the links below to see some of our popular aquarium decor!
Bubble Wand/Airstone
Equipment that produces bubbles is crucial for any aquatic environment. In particular, bubble wands and airstones produce oxygen, which allows your axolotl to breathe underwater. This equipment does very little for aesthetics, but it’s necessary for any aquatic habitat.
Your axolotl may even play in the bubbles for a little entertainment. Many axolotls will swim over the bubble wand or airstone, ride the bubbles up to the top, and float back down like their own personal carnival ride.
Axolotl Tank Temperature
Axolotls are cold-blooded creatures, so they need some assistance maintaining their body temperature. That being said, they don’t like it when it’s too hot.
The temperature should range from 55°-70°F. Water temperatures outside of this range can cause physical discomfort and stress on your pet, so make sure you have a thermometer in place and check it regularly.
Learn More About Axolotl Aquariums
Do you want to learn more about axolotl tanks and how to configure your own? Get in touch with us!
Our expert support team will be happy to help!
