Gravel-
You need to have some layering on the bottom of the tank.
Whether this is gravel or sand, a bottom layering is essential.
Whether this is gravel or sand, a bottom layering is essential.
For specific, Axolotls, require bigger then pea size gravel, as they have a tendency to swallow them. They require pebble sized rocks much larger then pea sized. I have spread said rocks out making 2 layers for them over my 3 foot tank and they seem to love it just fine. Bare glass is impossible for them to get a grip on and can be stressful and some times. Sand is also a risky choice as it can lead to murky water every time the fish moves. Make sure when first purchase of your gravel you rinse out the rocks in water a few times so all the dirt rubs off.
Plants-
Plants-
Definitely throw some plants in the tank. As long as you have a light suitable enough for your tank, even if you don't plants are a good way to have more oxygen flowing through your tank and some plants only need a few hours of artificial light a day. Be careful you don't buy anything too expensive though, axolotls might have a tendency to nibble on the leaves if they get a touch hungry.
Logs-
Caves and hiding places are essential for all axolotls, they need to have a "Hidey hole" for those times they don't feel safe. You can pick up some plastic logs from your local aquarium for medium price. You can also pick up other things that don't necessarily provide a spot to hide in, but add some attractiveness and spice to the tank. Having a mixture of these is great and will make your axolotl feel right at home.
Caves and hiding places are essential for all axolotls, they need to have a "Hidey hole" for those times they don't feel safe. You can pick up some plastic logs from your local aquarium for medium price. You can also pick up other things that don't necessarily provide a spot to hide in, but add some attractiveness and spice to the tank. Having a mixture of these is great and will make your axolotl feel right at home.
Filter-
Choosing the right filter for your tank is essential. Make sure you get one that can pump the the right amount of water for your size tank, if you have a tank, it is a stupid idea to get a 500 liter pumping filter.
**Update** Day 5:
Shit! I got home from work and i put in a bottle of frozen water into the tank (I do this during summer, put bottles of ice in the tank to defrost and cool down to the right temperature for the fish) and the bottle dropped down and clipped Aristotle, lying directly beneath it. He scattered away instantly and i dont think he was hurt, just the sudden fright of death from above. Sagee is being more active, she walks around and swims more then she use to. I hope that means shes getting use to this new environment. Tomrrow is going to be fun, im going to buy Earthworms from the aquarium and test out feeding LIVE WORMS to the axolotls. It will be a true test to there sence of smell and movment to try and catch them, its also a good idea for me to vary there diet as they have been eating nothing but frozen blood worms for the last week. Untill tomrrow, Thanks for reading. Im a whole lotl axolotl.
Shit! I got home from work and i put in a bottle of frozen water into the tank (I do this during summer, put bottles of ice in the tank to defrost and cool down to the right temperature for the fish) and the bottle dropped down and clipped Aristotle, lying directly beneath it. He scattered away instantly and i dont think he was hurt, just the sudden fright of death from above. Sagee is being more active, she walks around and swims more then she use to. I hope that means shes getting use to this new environment. Tomrrow is going to be fun, im going to buy Earthworms from the aquarium and test out feeding LIVE WORMS to the axolotls. It will be a true test to there sence of smell and movment to try and catch them, its also a good idea for me to vary there diet as they have been eating nothing but frozen blood worms for the last week. Untill tomrrow, Thanks for reading. Im a whole lotl axolotl.
-Josh
poor Aristotle =[
ReplyDeletehow big's your tank?
Wow very nice, I like yours
ReplyDeleteI think I would do that if I had the time... fish are so calming...
ReplyDeleteAww :( Poor guy.
ReplyDeleteI actually love this blog.
ReplyDeletePoor little guy, hope he wasn't hurt. Anyway thanks for the tips, this will come in handy if/when I choose to get one of these adorable little critters.
ReplyDeleteaxolotls look so cute. so you have two?
ReplyDeleteAwwww I hope he's ok. I'm glad Sagee is starting to settle in better too :)
ReplyDeleteNice tank, looks great.
ReplyDeletecute guy
ReplyDeleteglad to hear they are still kicking around. And a varied food diet is awesome.
ReplyDeletepoor guy!, hope hes okay
ReplyDeletewaiting for post how they did with new food :D
ReplyDeletemake a feeding video!!
ReplyDeletei love this blog, its making me want to buy some fish
this looks like an expensive hobby
ReplyDeleteI had no idea these fish even existed before stumbling upon your blog!
ReplyDeleteGlad she seems to be doing better. I like the slideshow you added up top, btw.
ReplyDeleteyou should make a little leesh and take him to the beach and let him swim in the ocean. Young Aristotle will learn so much!!
ReplyDeleteOh shet! Those things look pretty cute. I want one! LOL
ReplyDeleteI love the name aristotle for a fish, I dont know why, but it always makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting blog, I wish having fish wasnt outside of my [incredibly tight] budget!
NIce info, is that the pic of your actual fishtank?
ReplyDeleteSilly axolotl, beer is for humans!
ReplyDeletePoor Aristotle getting bopped on the head.
ReplyDeletevery much like...
ReplyDeleteso scary )))
ReplyDeleteAristotle is the best name ever for an axolotl:)
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty awesome,My fiancee is interested in fish,this should help getting us started quite a bit. ^^
ReplyDeleteCute yet creepy things.
ReplyDelete