An axolotl is a fascinating amphibian species that are also adorable as a pet.
If you’re bringing one into your home, you must ensure many criteria, including the optimal aquarium size. So, how big of a tank does an axolotl need?
This animal indulges in spacious settings. Try to give them the best comfort and maintain a happy life.
This article will explore the best measurement for your Axolotl aquarium and the factors influencing their ideal tank setup.
Let us spill the tea!
Contents
How Big Of A Tank Does An Axolotl Need?
While a single adult axolotl demands a minimum of 15-to-20-gallon tank for normal development, a 40-gallon container is the best.
Minimum Tank Size For An Axolotl
Even if the pet doesn’t look huge now, it can develop as long as 10 inches quickly. At around 2 years of age, it will have reached its full adult size, at which point we will require a larger tank.
Overall, this one calls for a sizable tank because of its space requirements.
To keep a single adult axolotl, a tank of at least 15-20 gallons is needed (55-60L). Yet this figure is just the bare minimum an axolotl needs, not the best measurement.
Your animal can’t reach its full size with a too-tiny container. It will stunt and suffer extreme tension.
A minimum-size tank is essential when you plan on growing your axolotl from a young age, so plan accordingly.
Best Tank Size For An Axolotl
You should invest in an aquarium of 40 gallons in size, providing your axolotl enough space for movement and aquarium’s accessories. As such, the animal feels free to roam around and thrive better.
Additionally, you’d have much more space to embellish the area with things like pebbles and other natural components, leveling up the aquarium’s aesthetic.
Beyond that, the water level shouldn’t reach the very top of the tank; instead, there should be some blank space.
If your aquarium frequently overheats, upgrade your water filter and install an aquarium chiller.
When you plan to keep plants and other organisms in the aquarium with your axolotls, the filtration should be capable of handling more than 40 gallons.
How About The Tank Size For Two Or More Axolotls?
Multiple axolotls can coexist peacefully in the same setting. That’s doable, but you’ll need a bigger aquarium to lower the density.
For one, axolotls are stressed out when they lack room to move around, and if there’s another axolotl in there, they could evolve into anger and other disorders.
A 55-gallon container is perfect for two axolotls together. More individuals in the aquarium necessitate a massive habitat. Still, you shouldn’t house more than three axolotls in an aquarium.
More than that, don’t add other creatures in the same aquarium with them. Toward smaller fish, axolotls often actively pursue and maybe consume their prey.
In fact, they will eat these smaller organisms if they can’t outrun the amphibian in time.
Thus, if you insist on stocking your tank with more fish, pick swift species or those with defensive abilities.
How To Set Up An Axolotl Aquarium?
Suitable Tank Size
As aforementioned, a single axolotl necessitates a minimum of 15-20 gallons of water per day, though we recommend providing at least 40 gallons.
Two individuals need a 55-gallon water container. Any other space is a welcome bonus for keeping decorations in the aquarium.
Filtration
The filtering system is the top priority. Look for a filter that has a knob to control the flow rate.
Try to get one that can manage more water volume than is in the tank.
Decoration, Ornaments, and Plants
Plants in the aquarium are a plus if you desire your species to stay motivated and for the tank to look gorgeous.
Perhaps, buying some floating plants is a brilliant idea for such a container.
To explain, any plants that must be rooted into the substrate are futile since your animal will eventually dig them out, and the resulting mess will be a pain to clean up.
Substrate
How to pick the best substrate for axolotls is a hotly debated topic. The substrate is often discouraged for axolotls owing to the risk of impaction.
Once again, you must fill the container’s bottom if you wish to use plants and other decorations.
We always recommend including more giant boulders that are too big for the axolotls to swallow to keep them safe.
Water Chiller
Knowing that axolotls have specific needs regarding water conditions, you can take extra care when keeping them. An axolotl tank doesn’t require a heater, but a chiller for the water is always a good idea.
Water chillers are flawless for sustaining a temperature of 16-18 degrees C (60-64 degrees Fahrenheit) in containers. It also offers a shelter living up to your pets’ natural habitat.
Lights
There is no need to install lights if you decide against using plants.
Nonetheless, if you insist on putting up lights, you should use warmer tones that are less harsh on the pet’s eyes and more indicative of the natural setting inside.
A lighting system that allows for dimming is the best solution.
Axolotl Tank Mates
As mentioned above, axolotls should not be housed in tanks with other creatures.
They live their entire lives apart from one another. Also, they are often seen fighting with different varieties, resulting in amputations.
Thus, keep a close eye on their actions and attitudes even while around with others of their kind.
Security
Axolotls aren’t threatening in any way to humans; they cannot climb, jump, or otherwise give you trouble.
Still, the curious animals often try to escape their containers. Your excited pets could also be in jeopardy from your nosy children or other creatures.
For this reason, it’s pivotal that you always prioritize the safety of the axolotls.
The container needs a screen lid to cool the water to save the pets on scorching days and to keep them inside.
The Bottom Line
Axolotls are amazing creatures; their unique looks and personalities greatly brighten up any home.
But how big of a tank does an axolotl need? You’ve just grasped the optimal answer to this question.
Depending on the size of the axolotl, the container should be anywhere from 15 to 55 gallons.
It is vital to ensure that the container is large enough for the axolotl to have enough room to swim and explore and a place to hide and feel safe.
Keep an eye on all factors when setting up the optimum tank. Furthermore, share this post with other aquarium hard-core fans as well!
