Q&A for How to House a Pet Axolotl

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  • Question
    How do I properly aquascape an aquarium tank?
    Brian Blake
    Aquarium and Fish Expert
    Brian Blake is an Aquarium Expert and the Owner of Boodleshire Aquatics based in the Kansas City Metro Area. With over 20 years of experience, Brian is an expert in freshwater planted aquariums, saltwater reef aquariums, and aquarium installation, care, and maintenance. Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Ichthyology and Aquatic Environmental Science from Emporia State University.
    Aquarium and Fish Expert
    Expert Answer
    To aquascape aquariums effectively, start by ensuring the gravel is no thicker than one to two inches and maintaining a shallow bed for proper cleaning. Avoid excessive gravel depth, which can lead to anaerobic bacteria growth and hydrogen sulfide gas buildup. When adding rocks for aesthetics, ensure they are chemically inert. For a unique aquascape, gather sterile coral rock, break it into pieces with a hammer and chisel, and construct a habitat that fits your tank's dimensions. Use aquarium-safe epoxy to glue the pieces together, creating caves and interstitial spaces for fish and corals. Explore online for inspiration, looking for a "habitat" to strike a balance between providing ample space for fish to swim and open areas for them to hide and sleep.
  • Question
    Can I keep a suckerfish in the tank to help with algae?
    Community Answer
    No, I wouldn't recommend it. The suckerfish might injure the axolotl, or the axolotl might prey on the suckerfish.
  • Question
    Would it be better to have the tank on the ground or on a table?
    Community Answer
    it would be better if it was on a table. Dirt and other things are more likely to get in the tank and hurt the fish.
  • Question
    Is it easier to take care of a male, or female axolotl?
    Community Answer
    It's the same either way. The female and the male need the same amount of care.
  • Question
    Can I have a dog and axolotl at the same time?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as the dog does not stress the axolotl (bump the glass, reach the axolotl through the top etc.).
  • Question
    How do I know what gender they are when they are fully grown?
    Community Answer
    Males have a longer face and tail.
  • Question
    Should I put pebbles in the tank or not?
    Community Answer
    You can put pebbles in the the tank if you want, but just make sure they are clean and larger than your axolotls' head, because they have a nasty habit of swallowing anything they can fit in their mouths, sometimes leading to choking, which can lead to death.
  • Question
    I live in the Philippines. Do you think it would be too hot at an average of 82 degrees Fahrenheit?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that's too hot. You're going to need an aquarium chiller. That is much too hot for an Axolotl.
  • Question
    Do axolots like air stones in their tanks?
    Community Answer
    They don't like to- much movement in the water, so I would say no to an air stone.
  • Question
    Does filter noise bother axolotls?
    Community Answer
    I am not sure if acolotls mind the noise of filters, but you would be able to buy a silent filter at your local pet shop.
  • Question
    How can you interact with the axolotl while it is inside the tank?
    Kori Bustard
    Community Answer
    You can put your hand in the tank and let the axolotl explore your fingers. Make sure you wash your hands before and after you put your hands in the tank. Don't grab the axolotl or try to take them out of the water.
  • Question
    How often should I feed them? How do I keep a good temperature for them and how do I stop water flow?
    Community Answer
    Check out the helpful tips in this article about caring for an axolotl on wikiHow.
  • Question
    How can I treat the algae in the tank without harming the axolotl?
    Community Answer
    Adding plants to your tank will reduce the algae because the plants will use up the nutrients the algae needs to grow. You can also use low light, keep feeding minimal, and scrape algae just before you change water.
  • Question
    Are axolotls easy to care for?
    Community Answer
    They're not what most people would call "easy," so I would recommend doing plenty of research before committing yourself to one.
  • Question
    Can I use tap water in their tank?
    Community Answer
    If you're going to use tap water, then you need to purify it first. You also need to ensure that the tank has a filter.
  • Question
    How do I know the sex of my axolotl?
    Community Answer
    When they're young, you can't tell, because they're not fully developed; when they turn into adults, then you will be able to tell.
  • Question
    Can I use sea water instead of dechlorinated water?
    Community Answer
    No, that is not a good idea. There could be toxins or bacteria in the water that might cause your axolotl harm.
  • Question
    Can I house an Axolotl and a cleaning snail together?
    Community Answer
    I probably wouldn't do this. Axolotl will eat any snail or fish that they can fit in their mouth.
  • Question
    What are the best plants to use to house an axolotl. Do the plants need light?
    Community Answer
    I keep an anubias plant in the tank with my axolotl but any cold water, low light plants should work. As long as they get a little light, the low light plants should be fine!
  • Question
    Are axolotls legal in the U.S.?
    Community Answer
    Axolotls are legal in some states, and they are illegal in others. You will need to check with your state specifically to see whether or not they are legal.
  • Question
    What is the long-term cost for Axolotls?
    Community Answer
    After the tank is set up it will be pretty cheap, I feed my little girl an earthworm every other night and she's doing wonderful. You should also need to account for weekly water change materials of about $15 or so. Maybe more if there's problems with the tank.
  • Question
    If I put a female and a male axolotl together in a tank, will they breed? How do I tell if they are?
    Quitty_Cat
    Community Answer
    If they're over a year of age they'll most likely breed. You'll know if your axolotl is going to lay eggs if the female is swimming around the tank a lot more than usual.
  • Question
    What gender of axolotl is easier to care for?
    Community Answer
    Both require the same care. Gender doesn't affect the amount of care required.
  • Question
    Can I get two axolotls? Would they fight?
    Tabitha Day
    Community Answer
    Axolotls under 10 cm (4") in length are more inclined to nip each other, so give them more space if kept together. Adults will happily coexist; just make sure the axolotls can't swallow one of their tank mates.
  • Question
    Can I pet my axolotls?
    Cheeseisme
    Community Answer
    You can, but axolotls are better pets to observe as opposed to handle or touch. Petting them could injure them.
  • Question
    What do I feed my axolotl?
    Ravenwolf123
    Community Answer
    Axolotls can eat plain seafood, such as cooked shrimp, as well as beef and chicken. Axolotls can also eat bloodworms, small fish, large earthworms, and insects. Make sure that the food is clean and fresh before feeding it to your axolotl.
  • Question
    Are axolotls sensitive to noise?
    FutureHow
    Community Answer
    If the noise is low and has a lot of vibration, that would vibrate the water and disturb the axolotl. High-pitched sounds don't seem to bother it.
  • Question
    How much will it all cost?
    FutureHow
    Community Answer
    It would be around 250 dollars, that is not including recurring costs like food and vet checkups.
  • Question
    Do axolotls need an area outside of the water in the tank to walk on like turtles do?
    FutureHow
    Community Answer
    No, axolotls have gills so they can only breathe underwater. Make sure you put a couple of hideouts in the water.
  • Question
    What do you do if your axolotls lay eggs?
    Community Answer
    If your axolotl lays eggs and you do not want to keep them, you can either cull them by removing them from the tank and throwing them away or simply keep them in the tank- axolotls are cannibalistic with their young. If you do want to keep them, I would suggest creating a set-up specifically for raising baby axolotls and putting the eggs in there.
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