The lake of Xochimilco near Mexico City is home to the Ambystoma Mexicanums.An axolotl can live up to 10 years in captivity if they are given adequate care.It's important to have a suitable tank for your axolotl.The article will show you how to do it.
Step 1: Find a tank that's right for you.
They need a lot of room to grow, as they reach a foot long in length.If your axolotl is 0-6" in length, a 20 gallon long is the best option.You will need to upgrade the tank to a 30 or 40 gallon if your axolotl is over 6.The axolotls prefer long swims and not much depth to dive.Tanks above a 20 gallon work best.
Step 2: Purchase the correct equipment.
You will need a gravel vacuum, a sponge or bubble filter, and a thermometer to set up an axolotl tank.Axolotls prefer a temperature between 60 and 64F.While you shouldn't use gravel in the tank due to ease of swallowing rocks, you should purchase a gravel vacuum to sift through the sand and suck up any waste.A sponge filter sucks in particles to allow for the growth of beneficialbacteria while producing oxygenation and circulation to pick up most of the loose debris.
Step 3: Do not put your axolotl in a high-flow area.
They will die if they are in a high flow area.They like to walk on the bottom of the tank.
Step 4: You can buy axolotl accessories.
Sand is needed at the base of the tank and decorations, such as rocks or caves.Sand that is safe for axolotls can be found.Rocks, fake plants, and plastic caves are some of the decorations you can put in your axolotl tank.If you are using rocks, place the decorations in a pattern and provide caves for shade because of their sensitivity to light.Rocks can be stacked or staggered.
Step 5: Water can be added to the tank.
Chlorine in tap water is toxic and will kill freshwater aquatic animals like axolotls.The chlorine is eliminated through chemical reactions.Different products have different instructions on how much to use.
Step 6: Before putting your axolotls inside, cycle the water.
The beneficial bacterial that will help maintain the fish economy should be produced by cycling the water.Adding ammonia to the tank will allow it to run and build up beneficialbacteria in the filter and substrate.Once the water conditions level out, the tank will be changed.7.4 to 7.6 is the ideal pH for an axolotl tank.
Step 7: The water quality should be tested.
Even though the water looks clean, it could still be unsuitable for axolols to live in.The water tester kit can be used to check the water quality.To find out if the water is safe to live in, compare it to suitable charts.
Step 8: Pick out the axolotl.
There are five main types of axolotls that are commonly sold.The Wild Legalistic, White Albino, Golden, and Melanoma are included.When crossbred, there are more types of Axolotls.
Step 9: Don't house axolotls with other fish.
The axolotls don't co-exist peacefully with other fish.Axolotls have poor vision and will bite at any movement.There is a chance that you will eat the fish in the tank.If you want the fish and axolotl's safety, keep axolotls in the tank.
Step 10: Prepare your axolotl.
When you return from the store with your axolotl, you should put them in the water with the bag and allow them to acclimate for 30 minutes.After the time is over, you can open the bag and let your animals out of the tank.Allow your axolotls to transition instead of adding them straight to the tank.If the water temperatures are too far apart, you can cause death.
Step 11: Provide your animals with food.
Bloodworms, night crawlers, and other insects are what the axolotls like to eat.Feed your axolotl once a day.If you don't have a dish to drop the food into the tank, it will be lost or wasted.
Step 12: The axolotl has a tank.
Every new axolotl parent should keep an eye on their tank to make sure they are adjusting well to their new environment.Look for any changes in behavior.The first sign of illness for axolotl is a decline in appetite.
Step 13: It's a good idea to clean the tank frequently.
The axolotls excrete a lot.This waste has to be cleaned up because it can cause ammonia and nitrate levels to spike.You can clean your tank with a vacuum.The vacuum helps keep the bottom of the tank clean, even if you don't use gravel.A clean sponge can be used to clean the side of the glass.Keep your tank out of the sun.20% of water should be changed every week.