Aquarium Keeping Tips
Throughout this journey, I gathered tips and tricks that have helped us keep Axl healthy. Not everything is easy, and we've learned by making plenty of mistakes. Hopefully, this information will help you avoid some of the potholes we encountered. Check back, as we occasionally add updates.
What is "cycling?"
Cycling refers to the nitrogen cycle of an aquarium. In the nitrogen cycle there are 3 naturally occurring chemicals in the water that happen in sequence:
Ammonia (this is given off by fish waste, food, and off their gills). Ammonia is formed from the metabolism of protein and is the major waste product of fish. The majority of ammonia from fish is excreted through the gills, with relatively little being lost through urine and feces. Ammonia is also formed as uneaten feed or other organic matter in an aquarium decomposes.
Nitrite is produced when ammonia is removed from an aquarium system through the use of a biofilter. The biofilter provides a substrate on which nitrifying bacteria grow. These nitrifying bacteria consume ammonia and produce nitrite, which is also toxic to fish. Other nitrifying bacteria in the biofilter consume nitrite and produce nitrate.
Nitrate is not toxic to most freshwater fish, except in high levels, and can be reduced sufficiently through periodic water changes. Some nitrate will also be utilized by plants. The ideal nitrate level for an axolotl is below 20ppm, but 0 ppm means the aquarium is not yet "cycled."
This conversion from ammonia to nitrite to nitrate to nitrogen gas is known as the nitrogen cycle.
Non-negotiable Basics...
One axolotl requires at least 20 gallons of water, for the amount of waste they produce.
They are messy and produce a lot of waste; a filter for 20 gallon tank will help keep water clean and healthy.
Axolotls will swallow rocks, pebbles, and gravel smaller than their head because of the vacuum way they eat, and swallowed objects may result in constipation, prolapse, even death.
Axolotls don't have eyelids and prefer either no light, or enough hiding spots to shield from the light.
Aquarium Materials
Filtration: Filters & Media
There are many benefits to the type of filter that you use. I would use the filter that best suits your needs and style of cleaning and maintaining. Always use a filter fit for your tank size.
Hang on Back Filter (HOB)- The advantages of this type of filter is that you can use a media that you prefer. I have a HOB with lava rock and a filter pad. I like the lava rock because of the porous material that allows lots of beneficial bacteria to live in! Also, it oxygenates the water before it flows back into the tank.
Sponge Filter- This awesome type of filter has lost of porous surface to host beneficial bacteria. It is very easy to clean when needed, (just rinse in tank water when doing a water change.) People recommend cleaning it every 3 months. Some install an air stone in their sponge filter, which provides oxygenation. If I did not have an established system with my HOB, I would opt for the sponge filter 😅.
Canister Filter - Some swear by this filter. I have no personal experience with canister filter because it is very pricey and already, everything else about aquarium keeping already is. For axolotls, a canister filter does not have a strong current, which axolotls are supposed to like, mine loves the current from the HOB filter. Sources also say a canister filter provides superior mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration for larger aquariums or aquariums with a lot of fish. If your aquarium is over 40 gallons, its probably worth the investment 🙂.
Size in Gallons
Axolotls are non-negotiable in terms of aquarium size. They are messy eaters and stomp on their poop which turns to powder and goes all over the aquarium floor. A 20 gallon is minimum for one axolotl. They are also very sensitive to ammonia, nitrate and even nitrate levels above 20ppm. Axolotls also grow very fast, and considering the time that goes into cycling a tank, it is worth it just to get a 20 gallon from the beginning. Increase the number for each additional axolotl. 40 gallons for 2 axolotls, 60 gallons for 3 axolotls. Optimal filtration and water changes when necessary is a must.
Aquarium Decor
Axolotls are clumsy! They don't have eyelids, aren't strong swimmers, and vacuum in their food. These adorable amphibians require compromise with the owner to keep a beautiful yet safe aquarium. Here are tips, dos and don'ts:
Plants
Live plants are a good option to promote nitrate filtration, and helping to keep nitrate levels below 20ppm. Keep in mind: being clumsy creatures, they will walk and lay on aquatic plants. Sturdy plants like Anubias and Java Fern are a go-to, especially because they do not require a lot of light. Other plants will likely be destroyed. 😅
Fake plants can keep your aquarium looking beautiful and provide surface for beneficial bacteria.
Aquarium driftwood provides beautiful decoration, and produces tannic acid in the water (just like Indian Almond Leaf), helping to keep axolotl relaxed and reduce probability of fungus. You can attach moss or other plants on the driftwood to make it look even more alive.
Axolotl safe plants- Amazon Frog Bit, Duckweed, Hornwort, Elodea, Moss balls, Pothos, Water Lily.
Substrate
Axolotls swallow their food like a vacuum and they are very clumsy and goofy animals. To avoid impaction, it is a good idea to have the ideal substrate that will not harm your axolotl.
Fine sand is a good option for axolotls over 5 inches in length. If they swallow it, they can easily poop it out. It also helps to promote beneficial bacteria. Fine sand is my personal favorite because I prefer the natural look. Make sure to check out my tips on how to add sand to your aquarium.
Slate is a popular option for some, it promotes easy cleaning and still helps keep a beautiful aquarium.
Bare-bottom is a good option of smaller axolotls and also if you don't want the cleaning involved with sand. However, I have heard that bare-bottom tanks can cause stress to axolotls, since they have nothing to grip. Although I have not and will not test this, I only recommend it if it's your only option.
As mentioned above. Non-negotiable basic: Don't use gravel, pebbles, or rocks that are small enough for them to swallow. If you are concerned about loosing the beneficial bacteria, you can use a bio-filter media bag or fine tight, to hold the substrate in and keep it in the tank. Although most of the beneficial bacteria is in the filter media and other decor, not worth stressing over that imo...