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Cost Of Axolotl Tank Set Up

If you’re thinking of getting an axolotl as a pet, you might be wondering about the cost of setting up their tank.  Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll need to buy, and how much it might cost.

First, you’ll need an aquarium. Depending on the size of your axolotl, you’ll need a 20-40 gallon tank. You can find a used aquarium for around $30, or a new one for around $50.

Next, you’ll need a filter, some rocks or other decorations for the bottom of the tank. This is purely optional, but it can make your axolotl’s home more pleasant to look at. 

So, all in all, the cost of axolotl tank set up will be around $200. Of course, this doesn’t include the cost of the axolotl itself!

By the time you’re finished reading this, you’ll be well-prepared if you ever decide to own one of these creatures and if your budget is on point so that you won’t have to struggle financially in the future.

Cost of Axolotl Tank Set Up

Axolotl in a fully equipped tank
Axolotl in a fully equipped tank

Setting up an Axolotl Tank costs between $200 and $800, depending on the accessories you choose for your pet.

However, there are three ways to save money: DIY axolotl food, DIY axolotl hides, and eliminating unneeded materials.

The table below details the particular cost of each item.

ItemsCost (around)
Tank ( 20-gallon)$100-$120
Lighting (LED)$50
Filtration Systems$30-$200
Water Conditioner$10-$15
Water Tester$10-$34
Aquarium Cooler/chiller$30-$300
Substrate$10
Accessories$10-$15
Total$200 – $800
Cost of the items for axolotl tank

Also read: Axolotl Supplies List

Costs of Owning an Axolotl

Baby Axolotls
Baby Axolotls

When determining the entire cost of axolotl ownership, many different aspects must be taken into account.

In fact, the axolotl only accounts for a small percentage of the total cost, with the remainder being made up of the enclosure and food.

When determining total ownership expenses, each of these requirements, such as breeding, monthly care, and health care, must be considered.

Axolotls themselves are relatively cheap. Axolotls often have a price range. A basic yet healthy axolotl costs between $30 and $75.

Axolotl feeding costs will relieve your wallet in some way because these amphibians have a simple diet.

They eat meat, insects, small crustaceans like brine shrimp, and worms because they are carnivorous animals. Food costs between $45 and $60 each month.

As axolotl are living beings, they occasionally develop health problems that must be addressed.

Even if you are the most conscientious and caring owner, certain issues are unavoidable. That would be approximately $40-$60 for veterinary care.

Small axolotls cost from $30 and $100, depending on the variety and breed you choose.

Poafamx 16gal Aquarium Chiller

Sale
Poafamx 16gal Aquarium Chiller Heater 60L Fish Tank Cooler Unit ℉ Quiet for Home Fish Shrimp Breeding Aquaculture with Water Pump and Pipe 110V (60L Chiller&Heater)
  • [UPGRADED INSTRUCTIONS AND MACHINE BASED ON PROBLEMS RAISED] Our manual and internal parts of the chiller have been upgraded according to the after-sales problem. If any questions while using, you can contact us freely via Amazon email or microsoft email
  • [HEATING MODE PROVIDED] This aquarium heater chiller can cool and heat water both for small fish tanks less than 10gal, set temperature difference for cooling and heating to maintain a stable water temperature
  • [ELECTRONIC COOLING WITHOUT EMISSIONS] Using electronic refrigeration technology, this chiller will not quickly cool down, protect your fish, also environmental protection and no emissions
  • [ONE WATER PIPE CUT INTO 2 PIECES] Aquarium water chiller is equipped with a 2.1m/82.7 inch long water pipe, and you need to cut it into 2 pieces while installation
  • [ONE YEAR WARRANTY] Poafamx provides one-year warranty, you can contact us via email for any problems during use, and we will reply you within 24 hours

Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You may have to pay an additional $40 to $60 if you buy your axolotl online because of shipping and morphs (since online sellers tend to have better morphs).

A tank of at least 20 gallons is required for an adult. With all of the necessary equipment, this would run you about $200o $300.

Finally, excluding food and water therapy, an axolotl aquarium setup would cost between $150 to $600.

Additionally, newborn axolotls require more frequent feeding than adults. However, as they mature, they require less feeding and more care.

Thus, axolotls are fantastic pets that are relatively affordable in comparison to other exotic pets. And the entire sum you pay or spend on your cheerful companions is well worth it.

If you’re searching for a low-maintenance pet, you should strongly consider an axolotl. They are far less expensive than other common house pets. You may own an axolotl for less than a hundred dollars!

PetsBreedSet up costCost monthlyVet care
Axolotl$30 – $75$200 – $800$45 – $60$40-$60
Guinea pigs$20-$200$200 – $450$50-$75$50-$100
Puffer fish$4-$65$400 – $650$50 – $80$70-$120
Snapping Turtles$40-$150$500-$6000$49 – $60$45-$75
Sulcata Tortoises$50 and $200$250-$500$150-$250$35-$50
Iguana$10-$550$150-$1000$30-$60$100- $3000
Uromastyx$150-$500$750 to $1000$30–$300$100-$150
Armadillo Lizards$1,000 – $2,000$200 to $500$25-$80$80-$100
Comparison of setup cost for different pets

3 Easy Ways to Cut Down Expenses When Keeping Axolotls

Axolotl in simple tank
Axolotl in simple tank

Fortunately, if a budget is limited, certain supplies can be excluded to save money!

  1. For set up cost 

Aside from the most important tank, there are three most expensive devices: LED lighting, filters, and coolers. However, because the axolotl is light sensitive, the LED is unnecessary and can be ignored.

If you don’t have a filter, you can simply change the water on a regular basis. Finally, in the absence of a cooler, we have many options for keeping their water cold.

Including the use of fans, air conditioners in the room, ice cubes, and other such items.

Also read: 3 Best Axolotl Aquarium Setup Ideas

  1. For decor cost

You can save money on decor by making your own axolotl hides!

Because axolotls are sensitive creatures who like to spend their time in low light conditions, appropriate hides are a vital component of your axolotl’s tank.

DIY hides can be created by cutting the side of a plastic storage basket and either covering it in expanding foam and then cutting off pieces of it to create a natural stone effect.

You may then paint it and seal it with epoxy glue. You may add silicone rocks to the basket as well.

Also read: 6 Best Axolotl Accessories

  1. For caring cost

You can, for example, produce worms at home to save money on food. Furthermore, if you feed it on a regular basis, change the water, and properly care for it.

They will become ill less frequently, resulting in lower vet care costs.

For a more informative and definite information, read and check out: axolotl care

Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank

Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit, Includes LED Lighting and Decor
  • Let the LED light transform your aquarium with each color change. Pause the cycle on any color to fully customize your aquarium
  • The anemones sway with your filter current and give your fish a place to hide and relax
  • Tetra plants come to life under the glow of Color Fusion LED
  • The Tetra ColorFusion Kit includes: one 20 Glass gallon Aquarium, one aquarium hood, one UL Heater, one Tetra Whisper 20 Filter, one Color Fusion Universal Color Changing LED, two Wonderland Plant Multipacks, one Blooming White Anemone
  • 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

Final Words

Having an axolotl is like winning the lottery – you receive more than you pay for. Given their exclusivity, we believe that axolotls are well worth their price.

Additionally, their maintenance costs are lower than those of other pets. They require less medical attention due to their regenerating capacity.

Additionally, they live long enough to delight you and provide you with affection and companionship.

Also read: Do Axolotls Make Great Pets? (Axolotl as Pets)

 

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