The Aquarium
For someone looking to keep an axolotl in captivity as a pet it is recommended to use a long aquarium with a minimum of 18 inches in length. A standard 20 gallon aquarium is typically large enough for one adult axolotl.
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| An albino axolotl in captivity in my own tank. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
You don't want to fill the entire tank with water, you only need enough to cover the axolotl and allow some room for movement. Typically most enthusiasts fill the tank up about halfway to the top in most tanks, this allows a good depth of water for the axolotl, and enough space on top so water does not overflow from the movement of the axolotl.
Underneath the tank it is recommended you place black plastic of black paper, since the bottom of the aquarium, it can help the axolotl to have a more natural and darker tank bottom. Enthusiasts often use polystyrene board wrapped in a black plastic bag to help with the color and to spread the weight more evenly.
Filtration
Filtration is not necessary for axolotls, provided that you're willing to regularly change the water. If you choose to use a filter there are a number of options available, such as under-gravel, external "hang on" filters, and canister filters, all will work fine for axolotls but are not required if you opt to change the majority of the water in the tank weekly.
Axolotls excrete a lot of waste, mainly in the form of ammonia (NH3). Through the process of nitrification, ammonia is converted into the less harmful substance nitrite (NO2). This process is one of the most important aspects of filtration and is known is biological filtration.
If you plan on using a mechanical filter, we recommend "aging" your tank for at least two weeks after filling it up with water and installing the filter, before adding any axolotls. Doing this will aid in the development of the bacteria on the filter media, and in preparation for the addition of your axolotl.
Substrates
Axolotls cannot "grip" the bottom of a glass tank, and can cause unneeded stress over time, so we recommend you use a substrate such as sand or rock.
Standard aquarium gravel is not recommended for use in your axolotl tank because the small pieces can become lodged in your axolotls gut and you can risk injuring or killing your axolotl.
If you do wish to use gravel you must use gravel is at least pea sized, about 1/4″ or larger in diameter. Alternatively you can also use fine sand since it does not cause any blockages in the axolotl.
A popular gravel used in most axolotl tanks is a aggregate coated in polymer to prevent it from leeching any chemicals into the water and harming the axolotl. The gravel comes this way, already coated in polymer, and comes in many shapes and sizes.
Lighting
Axolotls do not require any special lighting, standard aquarium fluorescent lighting will work just fine for all axolotl tanks. Unless you are keeping live plants, a standard "hood" style aquarium light will work perfect for your tank.
Axolotls do not need light to survive, the light is purely for display purposes. The only requirement would be if you were keeping live plants in your aquarium, which would require special lighting.
Temperature & Heating
The water in your axolotl tank should be kept between 57-68 degrees, which in most homes does not require any heating or cooling to stay within this temperature.
Temperatures below 57 degrees leads to slower metabolism and a sluggish axolotl. Temperatures above 68 degrees raise the risk for disease, and fluctuations between warm and cool temperatures between nigh and day can also be stressful to your axolotl.
If you do require heating for your aquarium, standard heaters used in fish aquariums, both under the tank and in tank, will work fine for your axolotl tank.
Decoration
Adding decoration such as plastic plants, caves, and rocks gives the axolotl an added sense of security, and is visually appealing to the human eye.
Article Source: EzineArticles |
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