07/06/2021
๊งAxแดสแดแดส Cแดสแด Gแดษชแด
แด๊ง
โก๏ธโป๏ธ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ค โป๏ธโก๏ธ
The Axolotl is a fully aquatic amphibian that originates from a single lake in Mexico underlying Mexico City. Unlike many of the amphibian family including this species' relatives such as the tiger salamander, adult axolotls stay fully aquatic despite developed lungs. Wild axolotls are threatened to be nearing extinction from many factors such as water pollution, overfishing, and introduction of invasive carnivorous fish species by the local fisherman. However, axolotls are thriving in captivity and are now growing in popularity as an exotic pet.
โช๐โ๐๐ก ๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐?โ๏ธ๏ธ
Since the Axolotl is a fully aquatic species of amphibians, an aquarium is the way to go. If you are going to have only one Axolotl, 20 gallons is a must with every 10 gallons per additional Axolotl (For example, 2 axolotls in 30 gal). The bigger the better. It is best in your pets interest for the tank to have wide space for it to explore and walk around in. A great example is a lowboy aquarium.
โช๐โ๐๐ก ๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ก๐?โ๏ธ๏ธ
We ๐ต๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐น๐ discourage the usage of gravel due to the complications it will cause during feeding time. When eating, your Axolotl will suck up loose substrate such as gravel and sand which would cause an impaction and an urgent visit to an exotic vet. Small rocks are also not acceptable for the same reasons. Some of the alternative options are:
โบ๏ธ๏ธ Bare bottom
โบ๏ธ๏ธ Aquarium safe tile
โบ๏ธ๏ธ Fine sand- ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐ ๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐
๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐๐น ๐ถ๐ ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐น๐ผ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ
โบ๏ธ๏ธ Large, smooth rock such as river rocks (larger than axolotls head)
Pre-wash all of your substrate and rocks before putting into an aquarium. For best results, boil for several minutes to kill off any unwanted bacteria. Rinse with cold water or let stand and cool.
โช๐ป๐๐ค ๐๐ข๐โ ๐ฟ๐๐โ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐โ๐๐ก ๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ข๐๐?โ๏ธ๏ธ
One of the most unique features about axolotl care is that they require colder temperatures. The recommended temperature range is from 60-68, while the ideal is 64. You can measure the temperature of the water by buying an aquarium thermometer. The reading should ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit as your axolotl may experience serious illness and oftentimes death. Ways to keep the water cold is by:
โบ๏ธ๏ธ fans (would drop the temperature down by couple degrees)
โบ๏ธ๏ธ close to the floor (cool air is heavier than warmer air)
โบ๏ธ๏ธ placed under conditioner vents
โบ๏ธ๏ธ float frozen water bottles in the aquarium.
โบ๏ธ๏ธ chillers
Keeping the room temperature on the cooler side would ensure the water to stay cold. For example, if the room temperature is 70, the water would stay at about 68. Frozen water bottles should be used as emergency for example when the power is out.
Axolotl keepers can either use artificial lightning or natural light for their tanks. Placing the tank underneath a window would ensure plenty of sunlight, however it would increase the rate of algae growth and reduce the aesthetic view of the aquarium, leading to a higher demand of cleaning routines. Artificial lighting shouldnโt be too bright as it can hurt their eyes and stress the axies. Black light would cause similar results, therefore leaving it on for too long is not a good choice.
โช๐ท๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐?โ๏ธ๏ธ
General rule of one hide per axolotl is recommended, as without one the axie will stress and have a high risk of falling into illness. Some Axieโs love to lay around on top of something, so lizard hammocks and plastic plants work well with them. No plant or decoration can be sharp, if anything you can file down the decoration using sand paper. They love marimo moss balls and it has many benefits, such as providing small doses of oxygen and working similarly to a tiny filter.
Once your axolotl reaches the correct size (around 5-6 in) it is ready to get settled in a tank. Make sure that the water is cycled with all of the beneficial bacteria present in the water. . Distilled water is not recommended as it does not have the minerals to support your axolotls health. Freshwater API liquid water testing should be done regularly to see on how your tank is cycling.
*Tap water should NOT have any chlorine or chloramines as it is harmful and will kill your axolotls. They can be removed with solutions not containing aloe. We prefer the brand Prime and it is available at most pet stores.
โช๐โ๐๐ก ๐ท๐ ๐โ๐๐ฆ ๐ธ๐๐ก?โ๏ธ๏ธ
Axolotls are carnivores and tend to eat soft food such as worms. ๐๐ข ๐ก๐ข๐ง feed crickets and bugs with hard exoskeleton as it will cause an impaction. Uneaten food should be cleaned out to avoid ammonia bursts.
โ๏ธBabies (smaller or are 3 in)- baby brine shrimp, microworms, daphnia and live black worms.
โ๏ธJuvenile (3 in to 9 in)- live blackworms, pellets, chopped earthworm, frozen blood worms, and Rapashy
โ๏ธAdults (larger than 9 in)- Earthworms, red wigglers and Canadian nightcrawlers are at WalMart in the bait section, axolotl pellets, parasite free guppies, Rapashy, ghost shrimp.
โก๏ธโป๏ธ๐ด๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ โป๏ธโก๏ธ
Even though Axolotls can gulp air with their lungs, they still require air stones for better gill growth.
Axolotls HATE strong currents! Low flow filters such as sponge filters are highly recommended.
Axolotls tank has to be a species only tank, feeder food such as guppies can be paired but will get eaten after some time. Goldfish and other types of fish may eat your axolotls gills thinking that itโs worms.
Same gender is recommended since the male will over breed female to death. Gender can be identified after 18 months of age. Males will have a large, long bump underneath their tale while the females will have small, short or no bump underneath the tail.
Cleaning of tank and tub is done differently. Cleaning of aquarium must be done every week with 20-50% water changes by using an aquarium syphon and vacuuming the gravel. Cleaning of tub must be done on a daily basis with 100% water changes by either transferring the axolotl into another clean container with dechlorinated cold water or by vacuuming p**p with a turkey baster. Any slime build up (brown in color) found on aquarium walls and container sides must be washed out and cleaned off.
Thank you for reading through and taking concern about your axolotls well being.
