Have you ever wondered if axolotls are saltwater or freshwater? If yes, then the answer to all your questions is here.
Many pet owners want to know the exact water type and water parameters to give their axolotl a healthy living.
Today we will throw some light upon the details like what type of water axolotls need, how often you need to change the water and much more.
Contents
Are Axolotls Saltwater?
No, Axolotls are not saltwater, they are freshwater animals.
Axolotls were discovered in several lakes, their development as a species in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City for many years is the reason they are freshwater creatures.
Axolotls need brackish water which is a mix between fresh and saltwater. The owners should be familiar with basic freshwater aquariums before adopting Axolotls.
However, you can add some salt in a small amount to the water tank of axolotls.
Axolotls can tolerate some salt in their water tank and it can be beneficial for them in situations like when they have skin infections such as a fungal or bacterial infection.
Use only sea salt in the water and do not ever use table salt as it has ingredients like iodine which can harm your axolotl.
It is recommended to use salt only in moderation as too much salt can be toxic to axolotls.
Also read: How To Give Axolotl Salt Bath
What Kind of Water Do Axolotls Need?
As we mentioned before, axolotls require a mix of water between fresh and saltwater.
Bottled water is safest to fill the aquarium of your axolotl and you need to make sure it has all required elements like potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride.
If the bottled water is not filled with these minerals then it means it is distilled water which is not good for axolotls.
You should never use distilled water for the aquarium of axolotls because its pH level is less than seven which makes the water too acidic that can be dangerous for the health of axolotls.
The ideal water pH for axolotls is 7.4-7.6 and a pH that is less or high than this range can be unsafe to your pet.
Also read: Full Requirements & Water Conditions for Axolotl in Captivity
How often Should You Change an Axolotl’s Water?
Changing water for axolotls depends on various things such as the number of axolotls, strength of the filter, tank size, age and size of the axolotls, and feeding.
If you have more axolotls in the same tank then it will be messier and water will have to be changed frequently.
You’ll have to change the water at least every two days If you don’t use a filter. But if your water tank is larger and the filter works well then you just need to change the water once every week.
Use a turkey baster to remove food and poop from the tank and change 20 percent water weekly. Clean the glass with a magnet cleaner every once in a month.
Check out our article: How To Clean Axolotl Poop: 3 Basic Ways
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Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wrapping Up
The conclusion is axolotls are freshwater animals but they are tolerant to salt also. However, salt needs to be added in moderation and only in small amounts.
For axolotls, salt can be used to treat skin infections such as fungal and bacterial infections. Make sure to use pure sea salt as it is free of iodine.