4 replies to this topic

[~Maplebun~]

Hi!

 

I was thinking of getting an axolotl sometime in the future, but I can’t really find any reliable websites/YouTube channels which explain axolotl care.

 

If anyone owns an axolotl here are some questions I have: 

 

• what do you need for an axolotl? 
• What’s your daily care routine?
• how much money in total (estimation) is it?
• would you say they are low maintenance pets?
• how can owners interact/play with them?

 

Thanks for any help!

[lil BIG dwarf]

I think Snake Discovery has one or two good vids

[~Mintyhams47~]

The YouTube channel Soda Pets also has some good care videos

This reply has not been added as it has been posted too quickly Arghh  

[~Maplebun~]

I think Snake Discovery has one or two good vids

 

The YouTube channel Soda Pets also has some good care videos

This reply has not been added as it has been posted too quickly Arghh  

Thank you for the recommendations! 

[~EquestrianHammy~]

I have one, as a pet.
Keep in mind, they need a lot of cleaning.
I spot clean out poop an extra food 1-2 times a day, and I do water 20% changes every 5 days.
Make sure to have the tank cycled before the axolotl moves in!
Overall, Axolotls are very fun to keep!


For an axolotl, you need:
A tank (10+ gallons, I use a 15 gallon)
Water conditioner (prime is a good one)
Food (earthworms are the best, but other things can work)
A good filter (I’m using a tidal 35)
A test kit (axolotls can be sensitive to water parameters)
Hides (make sure there are no sharp edges, I use terracotta pots tipped on their sides as well as a good piece of African mopani wood)
Plants (soft ones)
A sponge and gravel vac for cleaning (I also use a turkey baster for spot cleaning)
A hefty vet fund (I needed 300$ for my axolotl to be treated for an external parasite)
Thermometer

Optional things:
Substrate (fine sand or large pieces of slate will work, though it isn’t necessary)
Feeding tongs (these are so worth it. My axolotl thinks hands are food, so if I can avoid that, then that is great!)
Carrier (in case of vet trips)
A bucket (I use one of these for water changes, but you can get siphons that attach to your tap for filling the tank)
A net (just in case your axolotl needs to be removed from the tank)

Daily routine:
I clean out any poop, or leftover food that may have accumulated overnight
Check the filter
Re-arrange anything that got moved around

Weekly:
Water change
Test water parameters

Every few months, I change the filter media, but I keep the old pack in with the new pack for about a week, so the aquarium doesn’t loose it’s cycle.



How much does it cost? (I’m only doing this for the non-optional things)
Tank: $20+ dollars (depending on where you get it, you could get one on Craigslist for 20 dollars or so)
Water conditioner $5+ dollars
Filter $30+ dollars for a nice one
Food (start up) $5+ dollars
Test kit $10+ dollars for a good one, may be more though
Hides $1+ Dollars It depends what you use. Terracotta pots have a nice aesthetic and only cost $.50 each!
Plants $1+ Dollars depends what type. Live will cost more
Cleaning supplies $10+ dollars depends where you get it
Vet fund $100+
Thermometer $1+ Dollars



Are they low maintenance pets?
Eh, the cleaning associated with them is a bit crazy, it they don’t eat every day (when full grown)

Can you interact with them?
YES!!!
They will come up to the glass when you walk by, and they will SMILE at you!
They have an amazing charm!

Just a quick reply! XD

Edited by ~EquestrianHammy~, 29 December 2020 - 03:10 AM.