An axolotl spends its whole life under water and needs it cool: 16 to 18 °C, and never above 24 °C. As an adult it needs a tank of at least 78 liters, with gentle filter flow and no UVB lamp.
Axolotl’s age
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Tank and water
The only minimum tank we found comes from a vet clinic’s care sheet, from The Unusual Pet Vets in Australia: 38 liters (10 gallons) for a juvenile and 78 liters (20 gallons) for an adult, with the water at least as deep as the axolotl is long. RVC gives no liters, but says to allow for an adult of up to 35 cm. Adults average 25–30 cm, reached by 18 to 24 months.
Chlorine in tap water harms axolotls, so treat it with a dechlorinator or let it stand for 24 hours first. Change 10–20% of the water every week. Keep the filter’s flow gentle, since strong flow can cause axolotls severe stress, and cycle a new tank for several weeks before the axolotl goes in.
Temperature
RVC puts the best water temperature at 16–18 °C and says it should never go above 24 °C. The Unusual Pet Vets calls 17–18 °C ideal and gives 14–22 °C as the range axolotls tolerate, so 22 °C is the safer top.
Light
Leave out the UVB lamp. Axolotls are mostly active at night and very sensitive to UVB and to sudden changes in light, so tanks are often left unlit. RVC’s 2022 sheet says UVB bulbs aren’t advised.
Substrate
Fine aquarium sand is the best choice. Axolotls sometimes eat gravel, which can cause a fatal blockage, so avoid any small enough to swallow.
Everyday diet
Adults eat earthworms, bloodworms, blackworms, salmon pellets and brine shrimp, and daphnia suit larvae. Offer only what the axolotl eats in 2–3 minutes. RVC feeds juveniles daily and adults 2–3 times a week; The Unusual Pet Vets feeds adults every second day. RVC’s 2022 sheet also advises a calcium dusting on the food, and gut loading.
Living alone and handling
Axolotls are best kept alone. Don’t house them with fish: they may eat small ones, and bigger fish can damage their gills. Handle them as little as you can, because their skin is easily damaged and sensitive to toxins.
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