An axolotl is a tiger salamander.They are easy to care for and make good pets.If they have the right environment and care, they can live up to 15 years in aquariums.
Step 1: The tank needs to be set up.
A tank of that size can work for a single axolotl.When it comes to an axolotl, bigger is better.You can fit the biggest tank into your home.A 76 liter tank is a good size for an axolotl.The way to fill an aquarium is to completely fill it with water.If you want to use tap water, make sure you condition it the same way you would a freshwater fish tank.Chlorine and other chemicals in the water can harm or kill your axolotls if you don't condition it.At all times keep a lid on the aquarium.Sometimes axolotls will jump out of their tanks.
Step 2: An external canister filter is needed.
An external canister filter is needed to keep the water clean.There is a local pet store that sells this type of filter.Water flow can be controlled with a spray bar or other outlet.Axolotls are stressed by actively flowing water.They may stop eating or develop stress related health problems if they are exposed to strong water flow.
Step 3: Provide something to eat.
Substrate is the bottom of the aquarium.Fine grain sand and large fish tank pebbles are ideal for lining the bottom of an axolotl tank.Small pellets or rough sand should not be used.An axolotl may accidentally ingest something.
Step 4: The lighting needs to be minimal.
You don't need to provide the same lighting for an axolotl as you would for a fish tank.If you add a light at all, opt for a plant light because bright lighting can make an axolotl feel distressed.The axolotl doesn't need a lot of light to thrive, so lighting is usually used to see the animal rather than for its benefit.Don't keep the light on too often.Excess heat can be bad for an axolotl.When you aren't feeding or viewing the axolotl, turn it off.
Step 5: The heat needs to be maintained.
If you have an axolotl tank, you don't need a tank heater.The temperature for an axolotl is between 60 and 70 degrees.The tank should not be heated because it is usually room temperature.If you live in an area prone to extreme heat or cold, make sure to adjust the temperature of the room that contains the tank.It's possible that you need to keep an air conditioner in the room.The axolotls will develop heat stress if they are exposed to high temperatures.Purchase a tank cooler if your tank is prone to overheating.
Step 6: The axolotl needs a proper diet.
You can buy night-crawlers and frozen bloodworms at a local pet store.Your axolotl's diet should include these.Shrimp and chicken can be provided for a treat.Live fish can be a food source for parasites.Feed your axolotl for half an hour every other day.Provide the axolotl with enough food to last it half an hour.
Step 7: You should change the water frequently.
The water should be removed from the tank once a week.It should be replaced with fresh water.If you have a water purification system in place, tap water is safe to use.
Step 8: The young and old axolotls are separated.
If your axolotls breed, remove the babies from the tank and put them in a separate aquarium.It's not safe to keep different ages of axolotls in the same tank.
Step 9: Do not put other animals in axolotl tank.
Sometimes axolotls can do well with another of the same size and age, but they are best kept in their own tank.They prey on other types of fish.Axolotl tanks should only contain axolotls.
Step 10: Refrain from handling axolotls.
Axolotls aren't people-friendly pets.This may stress them out because they don't need human contact to be happy.When removing babies from a tank, only handle an axolotl.If handled, axolotls may nip.