Mexican walking fish, also known as axolotls, are aquatic salamanders that keep their external gills as adults.If you want an interesting aquarium pet, keeping an axolotl is a relatively easy process as long as they are legal in your area.You can have a unique pet of your own if you maintain a cold aquarium with hiding spots.
Step 1: You can get a 20 US gal aquarium tank.
The axolotl has room to swim around in a tank that is about 30 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 30 cm tall.Axolotls should not be kept in a tank with other fish.Smaller fish and larger animals can get aggressive with each other.
Step 2: The tank needs to be away from windows.
The axolotls are sensitive to light and should not be near windows or the sun.The aquarium should be kept in a lower level of the house where the lighting is constant throughout the day.Sunlight can cause stress to your axolotls.
Step 3: Line the bottom of the tank with sand or rocks.
The pebbles will get stuck in the stomach of the axolotls because they will try to eat anything that fits in their mouth.Look for rocks larger than the axolotl's head to line the bottom of your tank.Sand or rock can be purchased from your local aquarium store.Fine aquarium sand is small enough to not cause any harm to the axolotl.Since axolotls cannot grip glass easily, leave the bottom of your tank bare.
Step 4: Attach the filter to the side of the tank.
The axolotls like high currents and slow moving water.You can find an aquarium filter with the slowest current at your local pet store.The manufacturer has instructions on how to install the filter.If you can't use a filter with a slow current, put aquatic plants in front of it.
Step 5: Before getting an axolotl, fill the tank with dechlorinated water for 2 weeks.
chlorine can ruin your axolotl over time.If you plan on using tap water, either add a dechlorinating agent to treat it immediately or allow the chlorine to naturally evaporate over the course of a day.It has time to cycle if you keep the water in your tank for a few weeks.You can buy dechlorinating agents from your local pet store.
Step 6: The tank must be covered with a mesh lid.
Axolotls can jump out of an open-top aquarium, which could be fatal to them.The mesh lid in your aquarium helps control the water temperature and protects your pets.Check your local pet store or online for a mesh lid if your tank didn't come with one.
Step 7: You should put 1-2 hollow rocks or pipes in your axolotl hiding spot.
The axolotls are sensitive to bright lights and need places to hide during the day.You can find hollow rocks or ceramic shelters at your local pet store.If you want to hide holes, use pipes with a 2–3 in (5.1– 7.6 cm) circumference.If you are housing more than 1 axolotl, provide multiple hiding places.There should be a place for each axolotl to hide.
Step 8: Cold-water plants are good for your aquarium.
If plants don't have a sturdy base, axolotls may uproot them.You can find freshwater plants at your local aquarium store.Place the plants in small pots so they don't get knocked over when you put them in the axolotl tank.Plants like Java fern can be used in decorations.Artificial plants can be used if you don't want to care for aquatic plants.If the plants have a strong current, put them in front of the filter.
Step 9: Extra decoration can be put in the smooth rocks or driftwood.
The axolotls have poor eyesight.Since they could damage your axolotl's skin, avoid decorations that have jagged edges.If you want to make your tank look better, use smooth structures such as driftwood or solid rocks.You can add decoration to your tank.
Step 10: You should keep your aquarium below 70 F.
The axolotls live in cold water and get stressed out in hot water.Don't keep your tank on the upper floors of your home.The aquarium should be kept in a room away from windows.You can check the temperature in your axolotl tank by keeping a thermometer in it.The temperature can be as low as 40 F.
Step 11: Each week, use a siphon to clean the waste along the substrates.
There is a high level of ammonia in the waste that affects the water balance.Put the end of your hose in a bucket.Put the other end into the aquarium.To create a vacuum, hold the siphon against your substrate.Water sucks can be found at your local pet store.
Step 12: Change 25% of the water.
The night before the water change, fill a bucket full of tap water.Siphon 25% of the water in your tank.Slowly pour the bucket of water you prepared the night before into the tank.If you need to change your tap water on the same day, use a dechlorinating agent.
Step 13: It is a good idea to monitor the water's acidity once a week.
The axolotls can live anywhere between a pH of 6.5-8.0.To check the levels of your tank, use a pH water meter.If your pH is too low, you can raise it by changing your water or adding baking soda to your tank.Almond leaves can be put on the bottom of your tank for a high pH.If you want to not shock your axolotls, make any pH adjustments slowly.You can check the levels the next day to see how the pH has changed.