Having an Axolotl as a pet is one of the most unusual and rewarding experiences an aquarist can have.
These creatures are a lot of fun. They’re energetic, involved with their owners, and incredibly adorable!
Taking on the role of a new Axolotl parent may be both intimidating and exhilarating.
Without a doubt, it is your obligation as a pet owner to be aware of the things that must be done to keep your pet happy and satisfied.
We’ve put together an easy-to-follow axolotl supplies list, thorough guide that includes all of the equipment you’ll need to get started on creating a healthy and inviting environment for your new Axolotls.
Let’s get this ball rolling!
What Supplies Are Needed for an Axolotl?
Keeping an axolotl for the first time involves some thought. There are some essential materials, a few other items you should have on hand to keep Axolotl happy and comfortable, and a few optional items.
Two items are required of the owner: a 20-gallon tank and a Master Freshwater Test Kit. Because axolotls are aquatic species, they thrive in a 20-gallon aquarium.
Additionally, axolotls have stringent water parameter needs; a master freshwater test kit can assist you in assessing the situation and making any adjustments.
If you have a large sum of money and are willing to pay for additional necessary items, Axolotl can live in the utmost comfort. You should take the following supplies into consideration:
Name | Types Supplies | Benefits | Option To Buy |
Aquarium Tank (With a Lid) | Must have | meet the natural habitat of the axolotl A lid will block light and prevent the axololtl from jumping out. Also help to keep water temperature lower by evaporation. | Aquarium Tank SeaClear 20 gal Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set Hygger Horizon 8 Gallo LED Glass Aquarium Kit for Starters |
Freshwater Test Kit | Must have | measure water parameters quickly | Water Test Kit API Test Strips API TEST KIT |
Filter | Should have | prevent the buildup of toxic waste products within the tank that may harm axie | Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter Fluval 07 Series Performance Canister Filter Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter |
Water Conditioner | Should have | adjust and improve water quality quickly | Prime by SeaChem (Most Recommend) API TAP Water Conditioner API Stress Coat Water Conditioner |
Thermometer | Should have | monitor your axolotl’s water temperatures | JW pet company fusion smarttemp thermometer Zacro LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometer Fish Tank Water Terrarium Temperature Marina Deluxe Floating Thermometer with Suction Cup |
Aquarium Fan or Water Cooler | Should have | temp control and to keep your axolotl water cool | IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller JBJ Aquarium Arctica Titanium Chiller BAOSHISHAN Aquarium Water Cooler SUN 2 Piece JVP Series Submersible Circulation Power Head Pump, |
Water Syphon | Should have | Effectively separates and removes debris from your aquarium | Python Pro-Clean Aquarium Gravel Washer/Siphon Kit, Medium with Siphon Squeeze Aqueon Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, Large, |
Hides | Should have | axolotl can chill out away from the light and feel safe | cichlid rocks ceramic pipes |
Substrate | Should have | Helps assist with water chemistry, filtration, and overall attractiveness Additionally, it aids them in foraging for food and reduces light reflections, which can cause stress. | Carib Sea ACS05840 Super Naturals Crystal River Sand for Aquarium Playsand Aquarium filter sand |
Plants | Should have | Including live plants in an axolotl tank can help them feel more at ease and at home | Java Fern Anubias Water Lettuce |
Aquarium Light | Nice to have | Can aid in the healthy growth of living plants and allow for natural day/night cycles For your pet | Finnex Stingray LED Clip Light for Aquarium |
Air Stone/Bubbler | Nice to have | increase the water quality in their tank, as well as the oxygenation of the water | Aquarium air Bubble Light, RGB LED Fish Tank Light with 16 Colors 4 Modes PULACO Ultra Quiet Aquarium Air Pump Dual Outlet UPETTOOLS Aquarium Air Pump Ultra Silent High Energy Saving Oxygen Fish |
Liquid Bacteria Supplements | Nice to have | Adds helpful bacteria to promote aquarium health | API STRESS ZYME Aquarium Bacteria |
Indian Almond Leaves | Nice to have | offers excellent disease-fighting properties for fish and axolotls and will be soothing on the slimy skin of the axolotl. a fantastic way to reduce the possibility of fungus growing in the tank. | Indian Almond Leaves |
Food Bowl | Nice to have | Your axolotl’s food will stay in one location, making things much easier for you and your pet. Your axolotl will hang around around the dish when hungry, rather of searching the tank. | Fluker’s Reptile Bowl, Extra-Small Alfie Pet Food Bowl Worm Dish Mini |
Turkey baster | Nice to have | Offer food and make cleaning up waste easier | Good Cook 11.5 in Turkey Baster, 11-1/2″, Red OXO Good Grips Angled Turkey Baster with Cleaning Brush Norpro Plastic Nylon Baster, 1 EA, Black |
Large Brine Shrimp Net | Nice to have | cleans up some axoltl food that was spilled by accident. | PENN-PLAX Quick-Net Aquarium Fish Nets Marina 3-Inch Blue Fine Nylon Net with 10-Inch Handle |
Tips for Optional Items
If you are short on funds or the product you want is out of stock, there are low-cost alternatives or low-cost options for each of the optional products listed above.
You may have recently acquired your first Axolotl and have not yet Install, or your filter may have recently broken.
When faced with a circumstance like this, there is one great alternative. You just have to change the water practically daily to prevent an ammonia increase.
If you do not own an aquarium light, the only other option is to not install one! The ambient light in the room is sufficient.
The room light is already enough to see them, and specific plants such as Anubias, Java Fern, and Amazon Sword should thrive in this environment.
If you do not have access to an airstone or an air bubbler, your axie tank will most likely not require an air pump or an air bubbler, similar to how an aquarium light is not required.
IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller
- Unit is 4" x 4 3/4" x 7 1/2" includes probe. Cord: 5' 9", probe cord: 6'.
- Warranty: Unit has a one year warrenty agains defects in materials and workmanship.
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is due to the fact that the filter should already be producing a significant amount of oxygen.
Moving on to the following product, one alternative to Liquid Bacteria Supplement is to start your cycle with sand, plants, or other decors.
It will provide something for the beneficial bacteria to colonize while also colonizing your filter.
Beech and oak leaves are two popular substitutes for Indian almond leaves. These leaves, like Indian almond leaves, produce distinctive tannins known for their antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
For the food bowl, since it is optional, you can just not buy it. You can personally just dump in the worms or the food in the aquarium.
For the final optional product, the Large Brine Shrimp Net, the best alternative is a turkey baster, as these are ideal for spot cleaning.
They let you suck up small bits of food or garbage that you may see on the tank bottom without having to reach for your heavy-duty cleaners.
Carib Sea ACS05840 Super Naturals Crystal River Sand for Aquarium
- Create a supernatural experience by re-creating the natural world in your home
- grain size reduces built up detritus
- ph neutral ; safe for all aquariums
- no paints or dyes used
- made in the USA
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wrapping Up
Now that you’re familiar with Axolotl’s captivity equipment, there’s nothing stopping you from acquiring one as a pet! Keeping these creatures is definitely worth it!
There is nothing quite like having one of these fascinating species in your aquarium.
We are not exaggerating when we claim you will be just as entertained in year ten as you were in year one. We’ve spoken with a number of aquarists who acquired an Axolotl and never looked back.
Congratulations on becoming an Axolotl parent for the first time and best of luck on your journey!