Axolotls are charming and adorable pets commonly kept by exotic pet hobbyists. Axolotls, also called Mexican walking fish, are like salamanders but will spend their lives in the water.
Axolotls require special care and setting up their tank can be quite tiring to beginner hobbyists.
Opting for an axolotl starter kit can help beginner and expert hobbyists set up axolotl’s tank with relative ease.
A great axolotl starter kit usually contains everything you will need to set up their tank.
In this article, we have helped highlight everything you need to know about the axolotl starter kit, from what things are in an axolotl starter kit to a suitable axolotl starter kit to buy.
Contents
What Do You Need for Your New Axolotl?
Axolotls require special care to keep them happy and healthy. They require a cold water tank, and you need to ensure that the water quality in their tank isalways at an optimal level.
Some of the things to keep your axolotls healthy are stated below.
- A solid and sturdy fish tank
- Tank Filter
- API Master Test Kit
- Prime Water Conditioner
- Aquarium Fans
- Temperature Thermometer
A Solid And Sturdy Fish Tank
Axolotls are water-dwelling species and don’t need any land in their enclosure. One of the accessories you will need is a solid and sturdy aquarium for housing your axolotls.
An ideal axolotl tank is made with both acrylic and glass materials.
Axolotls require more tank floor space than height, and it is recommended that you house an adult axolotl in a 20-gallon long tank.
However, if you want to accommodate two or more axolotls in a tank, you will need to add 10 gallons for each additional axolotl.
Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons
- COMPLETE aquarium KIT: 20-gallon tank is ideal for aquatic turtles, and this kit includes all the essentials needed for success, including a decorative filter with cartridges, basking platform, heating lamp, boxwood plant mat and screen top.
- INCLUDES WATER FILTER: Decorative ReptoFilter instantly creates a beautiful waterfall while keeping water clean with 3-stage filtration.
- HEATING: Dome lamps are incorporated into the screen top for warmth and prime basking.
- CONVENIENT: Includes Tetra food and water care product samples – everything you need to get started.
- DIMENSIONS: aquarium measures 30 inches wide x 12 inches deep x 12 inches tall.
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aquarium Tank Filter
Axolotls require high-quality water to stay healthy. However, they are messy creatures that rapidly make the water quality in their tank become bad.
An aquarium tank filter helps remove chemicals, harmful bacteria, and ammonia from the tank and keeps the water quality in check for a long period.
Axolotls don’t appreciate strong water flow. Therefore, most axolotl keepers opt for sponge filters as they don’t create too much flow and will filter the tank properly.
Also read: 7 Best Water Filter For Axolotl
MarineLand Penguin 200 Power Filter
- WITH ROTATING BIO-WHEEL: Patented Bio-Wheel technology provides excellent wet/dry biological filtration
- MULTI-STAGE FILTRATION: Delivers mechanical, chemical and biological aquarium filtration to maintain a clean aquatic environment
- MARINELAND FILTRATION PRODUCTS: Count on Marineland brand for the most reliable, technically advanced aquariums and accessories on the market
- COMPATIBILITY: Use with Marineland Rite-Size Filter Cartridges (see individual filter for sizing recommendations)
- FIVE SIZES: Available in 75 GPH, 100 GPH, 150 GPH, 200 GPH and 350 GPH sizes
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Water Test Kit
It is important to have a water test kit if you will keep any fish, including axolotls.
Axolotls require a good water quality and can easily develop health problems if their water quality becomes bad.
A good water test kit will help ensure the nitrates and ammonia in their enclosure are kept at low levels.
You can use a water test kit to test for the variety of chemicals present in their tank. A suitable water test kit to monitor the water quality in their tank is the API Freshwater Master Test Kit.
Also read: Full Requirements & Water Conditions for Axolotl in Captivity
API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test
- 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
Nitrifying Bacteria
Axolotls are messy creatures that can cause a rapid buildup of toxic ammonia and nitrite in their water.
The presence of nitrifying bacteria in their tank can help eliminate the toxic ammonia and nitrite from the tank.
A nitrifying bacteria will then help accumulate and maintain a healthy biofilter in their tank. Thus, helping to keep the tank safe for your axolotls.
Fritz Aquatics FritzZyme 7 Nitrifying Bacteria for Fresh Water Aquariums
- The Original Live Nitrifying Bacteria for Fresh Water
- Rapidly Eliminates Toxic Ammonia and Nitrite
- Allows for Safe and Immediate Introduction of Livestock
- Establishes and Maintains a Healthy Bio filter
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Methylene Blue-General Disease Prevention Treatment for Aquarium
Even with care, axolotls can get sick. You can use methylene blue to treat illnesses like nitrate poisoning and ammonia.
Methylene blue is a great alternative to malachite green as it is also effective in treating superficial fungal infections of axolotls.
It is recommended to quarantine the sick axolotl in a separate tub during treatment.
Also read: How To Transfer Axolotl: 3 Tips to Prevent Temperature Shock
Kordon #37344 Methylene Blue-General Disease Prevention Treatment for Aquarium
- Kordon methylene blue 4oz
- Methylene blue is effective against superficial fungal infections of fishes
- The drug may be used as an alternative to malachite green for the control of fungus
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Seachem Prime
Most axolotls owners use chlorinated tap water for their axolotl enclosure. Chlorine and chloramine can destroy the good bacteria in an aquarium filter and burn your axolotl.
Therefore, axolotl owners need a water conditioner for neutralizing these harmful chemicals.
Seachem Prime is a great de-chlorinator without aloe vera that you can use for this job. Seachem prime helps make the water safe for your axolotls to breathe properly and ensures proper skin health.
Also read: 6 Common Axolotl Skin Conditions
Seachem Prime 1000ml
- POWERFUL TREATMENT: Seachem Prime is a complete and concentrated conditioner for both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, working hard to remove chlorine and chloramine.
- REMOVER: Seachem Prime immediately and permanently removes chlorine and chloramine, successfully allowing the bio filter to remove ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate while they are detoxified for 48 hours.
- DETOXIFIER: Seachem Prime effectively detoxifies ammonia, nitrite, and heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels, providing a safe environment for your betta, tetra, or other fish.
- USE: Use 1 capful (5 mL) of Seachem Prime for each 200 L (50 US gallons) of new or replacement water. For best results, add Seachem Prime to new water first. For exceptionally high chloramine concentrations, a double dose may be used safely. For smaller volumes, use 2 drops per gallon.
- SAFETY: In case of an emergency, the 5x dose of Seachem Prime may be used for both ammonia and nitrite. Use a ½ dose if the water temperature is > 30°C (86°F) and chlorine or ammonia levels are low.
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aquarium Fans or Aquarium Chiller
Axolotls require cold water for them to thrive and live a healthy life. You can use an aquarium fan to lower the water temperature in their tank.
However, you may need an aquarium chiller to help drop their water temperature if you live in warmer climates.
Also read: 5 Best Water Cooler For Axolotl
ctive Aqua AACH100HP Hydroponic Water Chiller Cooling System
- Large refrigeration capacity (recommended volume: 80-250 gal/300-950 L)
- Anti-corrosive pure titanium evaporator for both fresh and salt water
- Rate of flow: 1 HP (1320‒3900 G/h - 5000‒15000 L/h)
- Rated BTU per hour: 10, 050
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Temperature Thermometer
Axolotls require a water temperature between 60-65F. Overheating in an axolotl tank can lead to extreme stress in axolotls and can be fatal if you expose them to high heat for a prolonged period.
This is why you will need a water-cooling system to help maintain the ideal temperature range.
Another tool you will need is a thermometer to keep track of the water temperature in their tank.
This will help you quickly determine when there is a spike or drop in their water temperature and address it accordingly.
Also read: Axolotl Temperature (Tips to Maintain an Ideal Temperature)
Fluval 2-in-1 Digital Aquarium Thermometer
- 2-in-1: Measures water & room temperature accurately within 10C/20 F
- No probes or messy wires
- Large LCD display simultaneously shows aquarium and ambient room temperatures
- Thermometer for use in fresh and saltwater aquariums
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Accessories and Decor
You will need different accessories and décor to add to the look of your axolotl tank set up.
The first accessory that you may use is fine sand as their substrate. Adding substrate helps provide grip on the tank’s bottom and enrich the tank.
Axolotls also love places where they can hide as they are sensitive to light.
There are several natural-looking hides that you can use, like ceramic pipes, pleco breeding caves, or cichlid rocks. You can also add river rocks or dragon stones to their enclosure.
Also read: 6 Best Axolotl Accessories
Spongebob’s Pineapple House
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED: This aquarium ornament is great for anyone who loves the hit Nickelodeon show, SpongeBob! Enjoy the magical world of Bikini Bottom within your fish tank..Saltwater & Freshwater Safe
- MADE OF SAFE AND DURABLE RESIN: Our aquarium ornaments are inspected with your fish’s safety in mind. The material used is safe for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Each decoration has a sturdy base. There’s no need to worry about it floating around once you place it underwater.
- SUPER SIMPLE TO CLEAN: Simply wipe down and rinse off the aquarium ornament with warm water when you are cleaning out your tank. Never use soap, as the residual soap particles can harm your fish.
- BRING THE WORLD OF SPONGEBOB HOME: Perfect for adults and children! This fun aquarium decoration will instantly add magic to your tank! Most small and medium fish can fit inside, allowing them to swim in and around it. This helps reduce fish boredom!
- MEASUREMENTS: SpongeBob’s Pineapple House measures approximately 3” (Dia) x 5.25” (H). It will fit easily in almost any fish tank sitting at home. It’s designed to be the perfect accent to any aquarium, regardless of size. Get creative!
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Axolotl Starter Kit: Axolotl Tank START-UP Kit
This axolotl tank startup kit is one of the suitable kits that you can use for setting up your axolotl tank. The kit includes most of the things that you will need to start your axolotl tank.
Some of the items found in the startup kit are:
- Hide/basking ramp
- 6’ airline/tubing
- Sponge filter suitable for about 55 gallons
- Live java fern plant
- Reptile hammock w/suction cups
- Bottle SeaChem Prime water condition
- Thermometer w/suction cup
- Soft fishnet.
The best thing about this kit is that it includes accessories to help add to the look of your axolotl tank.
For instance, reptile hammocks will add to the beauty of the tank and will also serve as a hide for your axolotls. There is also a soft fishnet for taking your axolotl from the tank when needed.
| Pros | Cons |
| – It is easy to use – Adds to the aesthetic of your axolotl’s tank – The sponge filter is suitable for up to 55 gallons | – The sponge filter does not include an air pump, and you will need to buy that separately. – It does not include an API water test kit. – You will need to buy the aquarium separately. – You will buy nitrifying bacteria separately. |
Also read: 3 Best Axolotl Aquarium Setup Ideas
Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit
- Tetra Glass Aquariums are made in the USA and are built to last with scratch resistant glass
- The Tetra Aquarium comes loaded with an LED hood, that provides a natural daytime effect and a Whisper Filter that is whisper quiet while providing powerful, dependable water flow
- Artificial Plants add a unique, natural ocean feel while giving your fish a place to hide which reduces fish stress
- The Tetra Kit includes: one 20 Gallon Glass Aquarium, one LED hood, one Tetra Mini UL Heater, one Tetra Whisper 20 Filter, one artificial Boxwood Plant Mat, four artificial plants. Add gravel and fish to complete your aquarium
- Aquarium Dimensions: 24.2" L x 12.4" W x 16.7" H
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In Conclusion
Axolotls are unique amphibians that spend their life in water. Although they require special care, caring for them is quite easy.
A great way to set up an axolotl tank as a beginner hobbyist is to opt for an axolotl starter kit.
You can message us in the comment section below if you have any question or comment about the axolotl starter kit.