Congratulations on welcoming a smiling Axolotl into your heart and your home! We want to help you set up your new friend’s home and get you started with some basics.
Of primary importance are axolotl accessories that can go a long way in helping your Axie feel more welcome. Some accessories are also important for your Axolotl’s health and well-being.
If you’re confused about which accessories to buy, worry not – we have you covered! These 6 axolotl accessories will benefit your pet in several ways.
Let us dive right into it.
Contents
Why Do Axolotls Need Accessories?
Axies have sensitive skin and any changes in water parameters can be very harmful to them. That is why it is very important to take into account your pet’s natural habitat when you set up its tank.
Moreover, once you do set the tank up, you must continue monitoring it to ensure that those parameters are maintained.
Axolotl accessories play a crucial role in this aspect. Some tank accessories like water test kits or strips help maintain the right pH and other water parameters.
Others like chillers or coolers maintain the water temperature just the way Axies love.
Some accessories like plants provide oxygen as well as hiding places for your Axolotl to avoid bright daylight light and rest.
Thus, different accessories play different roles, but the right accessories can help create a harmonious environment for your Axolotl.
Also read: 3 Best Axolotl Aquarium Setup Ideas
What to Look For in a Good Accessory for Axolotl?
Good accessories for axolotls are the ones they actually need. Often, people buy accessories that they like and not necessarily their pets like or need.
In reality, a good accessory is one that is safe, necessary, and also affordable.
Here are some features of a good accessory for Axolotls:
Safety
This is the most important factor to consider when selecting axolotl accessories:
- Has blunt edges – If you are selecting decorative accessories make sure they are 100% safe. You don’t want items with sharp edges that could hurt your delicate pet.
- Non-toxic – Accessories like gravel and colored stones and pebbles look attractive but could be harmful if your pet ingests them. Also, plastic accessories could contain toxic chemicals that could be fatal to your small pet if swallowed.
- Non-stressful – Select accessories that your pet loves and is not afraid of. The accessory should not have a negative impact on your pet.
- Maintains water parameters – Safe accessories for Axies also maintain the water parameters instead of disturbing them.
Necessity
Ornamental and decorative accessories such as ones made for saltwater aquariums may make the tank look good but maybe totally unnecessary for your Axolotl.
Ensure that the accessories closely mimic natural objects found in your pet’s natural habitat or are at least necessary to help you maintain the conditions that closely mimic your pet’s natural habitat.
Unnecessary accessories may end up stressing your little friend.
Reasonably Priced
If budget is a constraint then look for safe and necessary accessories that won’t hurt your pocket.
6 Best Axolotl Accessories
Here are some accessories your Axolotl needs. It includes things you should have in your tank and other things that are great if you prepare for axies.
- API Water Test Kit
- filter systems
- water cooler
- Live Plants
- Hides
- Driftwood
- Rocks
Other accessories like driftwood, live plants, hides, and rocks are not a necessity but they are found in their natural habitat.
Live plants improve the oxygen levels in the tank and objects like rocks, hides, and driftwood can provide hiding places for your nocturnal pet.
We have selected these 6 great products that are safe, necessary, and affordable. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision.
| Products | Safe | Actually Necessary | Cost (around) |
| #1 API Freshwater Test Kit | Yes | Yes | $35 |
| #2 Water Chiller Cooling System | Yes | Yes | $500 |
| #3 Live Plants | Yes | No | $35 |
| #4 Hides | Yes | No | $12 |
| #5 Driftwood | Yes | No | $25 |
| #6 Rocks | Yes | No | $10 |
1. Water Test Kit
Once you have picked the best tank, substrate, and filter for your axolotl, you are ready to add water to it.
However, you must first consider the water’s quality otherwise you will be putting your pet at great risk.
Remember: even if you select water with the right pH, the pH can change once you add in the plants and other decorations. Therefore, regular testing of the water is very important.
This is where a water testing kit can help. Water test kits help you monitor the water pH, ammonia, and nitrates in the water.
They are fast, accurate, and can ensure peace of mind. You will know your Axolotls are getting the best water so you can rest easy!
Benefits of API water test kits/strips:
- Easy to use
- Scientifically accurate
- Proactive way to keep water healthy in your pet’s tank
Some water test kit for axolotl include:
- Water Test Kit
- API Test Strips
- API TEST KIT
We recommend the API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800 because it can provide you with almost 800 tests. These can help prevent almost all invisible water problems that are detrimental to your Axie’s wellbeing.
An API freshwater testing kit measures important parameters like ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, pH, and high range pH. These parameters are important to know to ensure your Axololt’s well-being.
Also read: Full Requirements & Water Conditions for Axolotl in Captivity
- Contains one (1) API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit, including 7 bottles of testing solutions, 1 color card and 4 glass tubes with cap
- Helps monitor water quality and prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish and cause fish loss
- Accurately monitors 5 most vital water parameters levels in freshwater aquariums: pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate
- Designed for use in freshwater aquariums only
- Use for weekly monitoring and when water or fish problems appear
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Water Cooler
Axolotls need a water temperature between 60-64 F or about 16 to 18 degrees C. If you live in a warm region where temperatures go above 80 F, your tank will need a water cooler.
Axolotls hail from Mexico and are found in Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. In the natural habitat, sun, rain, wind, and other elements make sure that the water temperature does not remain constant.
Axies need these temperature changes as experienced in the wild. However, without a cooler, the aquarium water temperature will remain more or less constant.
In summers, the aquarium water can get very hot for Axies. By using a chiller or water cooler, you can maintain the temperature at the optimum range of 60-64 F.
- IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller
- Hamilton Technology Aqua Euro Max Aquarium Chiller
- Active Aqua AACH25HP Hydroponic Water Chiller Cooling System
We recommend the Active Aqua AACH25HP which has a large refrigeration capacity and is also quiet, user-friendly to operate and comes with a high rate of flow.
Don’t forget to check out our detailed guide on the 5 Best Water Coolers for Axolotls.
- Large refrigeration capacity (recommended volume: 40 gal to 92 gal )
- Anti-corrosive pure titanium evaporator for both fresh and salt water
- Rate of flow: 1/4 HP (396‒925 gal/h -1500‒3500 L/h)
- Rated BTU per hour: 3, 010
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Live Plants
Live plants offer several benefits to Axolotls.
- Natural shelter – Live plants provide natural shelter to Axolotls from the harsh daylight. Axolotls do not have eyelids so bright light tends to hurt their eyes. They are also nocturnal animals which means that they need sleeping places during the daytime. Live plants can provide them with those.
- Natural gas exchange – Plants remove the buildup of carbon dioxide and provide oxygen. They also help absorb nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia buildup from water.
- Algae control – Live plants also reduce the buildup of algae which can be detrimental to your Axie’s health.
- Keep the aquarium looking fresh – When selected carefully, aquatic plants suitable for Axolotls can help mimic their natural habitat. Plants also keep the tank looking fresh, inviting, clean, and green.
Some recommended plants for axolotl include:
- Java Fern
- Hornwort
- Moneywort
- Java moss
- Anubias Barteri
- Duckweed
- Anacharis
We recommend Florida 10 Species Live Aquarium Plants Bundle which contains aquatic plants like Anubias Barteri, Hornwort, Moneywort, Amazon Sword, Dwarf Sagittaria, Red Melon Sword, Anubias Coin, Hygrophila Araguaya, Java Fern, and Vallisneria.
Also read: 20 Best Plants for Axolotl
- Easy live aquarium plant species for any freshwater aquarium. You get 10 grown plant bunches, 1 of each species of ranging from 6 to 12 inches in height with the exception of the Lobelia Cardinalis which is about 3". Plants are grown in the US and subject to US standards for aquatic plants. Each of our plant bunches have several stems. Please note that some plants will take several weeks to transition to its aquatic form as some are grown emersed
- Perfect for 10+ gallons aquariums. Create a natural habitat in your aquarium for your fish and invertebrates
- Provide natural resting and hiding places for your smaller fish and invertebrates
- Create a natural biological filter in your tank by having plants absorb nitrates from waste
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Hides
Hides or hideouts are hiding places that are very important for Axolotls for the following reasons:
- Axolotls are nocturnal creatures and they do not have eyelids. Both these factors also mean that Axies do not like very bright conditions. Resultantly, they need hideouts to rest during the daytime since the natural light can hurt their eyes.
- Without adequate hideouts, axolotls tend to get scared, stressed, and might even feel threatened. They might tend to get aggressive.
- Good hiding places make your Axie feel safer and more secure. They provide your Axie a place to swim in and out of – something that is very important for your Axie.
- They also add visual appeal and a decorative element to the tank.
When choosing a hideout, ensure that it has an entry and exit. Avoid closed hideouts since Axolotls cannot swim backward or in reverse.
Try these hideaway pipes from Penn-Plax which are made of safe and durable natural resins and have natural-looking moss on them.
These pipes mimic natural structures found in lakes and rivers so your Axie will feel right at home.
Penn-Plax Hideaway Pipes Aquarium Decoration Realistic Look
- Three stacked hideaway pipes with realistic looking moss add color and texture to your aquarium. Bright green moss adds a unique look to your tank and mimics the color seen in nature.
- This aquarium decoration provides visual interest for you and your fish. Holes provide a space to pass through, to rest, or hide reducing stress and aggression.
- This pipe hideaway is perfect for cichlid tanks since this fish is territorial and must create their own space. This aquarium ornament mimics what is found in an oceanic environment.
- Made of safe durable resin, this aquarium decoration is safe for use in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Pipes measure 3 inches long by 3 inches wide and 2.8 inches high.
- Age range description: All Life Stages
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Driftwood
Driftwood serves a number of functions in an Axolotl’s tank.
- Provides hiding places – As explained earlier, an axolotl tank needs plenty of hideouts to minimize stress, fear, and aggression in your pet. Driftwood with its gnarled and twisted shape can provide a natural hiding spot for your little buddy to rest.
- Alters the water chemistry – When selected correctly, driftwood can also alter the tank water’s chemistry in a positive way. Different kinds of driftwoods like Sumatran driftwood, Mopani wood, manzanita, etc. have different chemicals in them. These chemicals help lower the water’s pH making it softer and more like an Axie’s natural habitat.
- Natural aesthetics and decoration – driftwood can help your Axie’s tank resemble more like the lake water it is used to. The tannins from driftwood slowly leech into the water to give it a darker or reddish appearance. This closely resembles the water that axolotls are found in. Moreover, driftwood can add a decorative aspect to your pet’s tank.
We recommend the PINVNBY driftwood which is made from high-grade driftwood. It is durable, strong, and 100% safe for your pet.
- Made of high grade driftwood, solid and durable, long lasting in underwater or arid environments
- Authentic natural wood adds realistic beauty.Unique shapes that adds to the aesthetic value of the tank
- Package included 3pcs driftwood Each piece is unique and hand selected, Sizes varies from 4.5 to 9.5 inches in length.Each pieces are carefully selected, the pictures shown are only some of the
- Light weight, sturdy branch is perfect for decoration and reptiles to climb on.It can also used to create moss tree in the fish tank;also, perfect for home garden landscape design!
- Your driftwood will quickly become the focal point of your aquarium decor. Nocturnal fish,ghost shrimp and smaller fish like a driftwood shelter for hiding
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Rocks
Rocks are an essential part of aqua-scaping your Axie’s tank.
- Provide hiding spaces – rocks provide good hiding spaces for your pet.
- Allow bottom-dwellers to forage – Axies often like to forage for food in between rocks and this is important to help reduce stress in your pets.
- Reduce reflection in the water – Axolotls are not too fond of bright light and daylight reflecting in their tank water. Rocks could help reduce those reflections to some extent. This is important for minimizing stress in your Axies.
Try these Rocks from CRMADA as they are safe and made from natural fine sand. They also help filter the water.
Also read: 10 Axolotl Stress Signs
Note:
House your Axie in a sturdy tank of at least 20 gallons capacity – avoid anything smaller than that as it could stress your pet.
You also need a tank filter although it isn’t a necessity if you are ready to commit to changing the tank’s water at least 2-3 times a week.
2 Pieces Stackable Aquarium Decoration Rock Caves
Last update on 2022-12-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion – Best Axolotl Accessories
Axolotl tank accessories should be safe, affordable, and also necessary.
Accessories such as water cooler, water testing kit, live plants, hides, rocks, driftwood, etc. perform important tasks and also closely mimic an axolotl’s natural environment.
This can minimize stress and help your pet thrive. We hope this guide helps you pick the best axolotl tank accessories for your buddy.
