What do I need to set up for my axolotl tank?
Before bringing your axolotl home, prepare a tank with these essential items. It's a 20–30 gallon commitment.
Commitment Reality
Axolotls can live up to 10–15 years, requiring daily care. Plan for a minimum of 30 minutes a day for feeding and tank maintenance.
Your axolotl will need a tank of at least 20 gallons, providing enough space for swimming and growth. Avoid handling them more than once a week to prevent stress.
- A 20–30 gallon tank
- Water filter with a flow rate of 10 gallons per hour
- Substrate like sand or fine gravel
- Heater to maintain water temperature between 60–68°F (16–20°C)
- Water testing kit
- Food: frozen or live worms, pellets
- Water changes every 2–3 weeks
- Regular vet check-ups every 6–12 months
One-Time Setup List
Start with a clean, bare-bottom tank. Add a layer of substrate like sand or fine gravel, ensuring it's no deeper than 1 inch.
Install a water heater and thermometer to monitor and maintain the correct temperature range. A 100-watt heater is typically sufficient for a 20–30 gallon tank.
Choose a water filter to keep the water clean and remove waste. A filter with a flow rate of 10 gallons per hour is ideal.
- Clean tank
- Substrate (1 inch deep)
- Water heater (100 watts)
- Thermometer
- Water filter
- Water testing kit
- Food: worms, pellets
- Replacement filter media (every 3–6 months)
Recurring Consumables
Regularly replace consumables like substrate, food, and water testing strips. Substrate should be replaced every 3–4 months, while food and water testing strips should be replaced as needed.
A 20–30 gallon tank requires approximately 2 cups of food per day, depending on the size of your axolotl.
- Substrate (every 3–4 months)
- Food (2 cups per day)
- Water testing strips (as needed)
- Replacement filter media (every 3–6 months)
- Water changes (25% every 2–3 weeks)
Ongoing Costs
In addition to the initial setup, consider the ongoing costs of substrate, food, and equipment maintenance. Regular vet check-ups are essential, especially for young axolotls, to ensure they stay healthy.
A water heater can use up to 15 watts per hour, so plan for an average monthly cost of $3–$5 in electricity.
- Substrate (every 3–4 months)
- Food (2 cups per day)
- Water testing strips (as needed)
- Replacement filter media (every 3–6 months)
- Vet check-ups (every 6–12 months)
- Equipment maintenance (as needed)
- Electricity for water heater (average $3–$5 per month)
Are You Ready?
Before you bring your axolotl home, make sure you have the following items and commitments ready. This is a long-term commitment that requires dedication and planning.
A properly set up tank with the correct temperature and water quality is crucial for your axolotl's health and well-being.
- A properly set up tank with the correct temperature and water quality
- A regular feeding schedule
- A plan for regular water changes and maintenance
- A commitment to daily care and handling with care
- A vet for regular check-ups
- A reliable water source for regular water changes
- A schedule for weekly tank cleaning
Keep reading about Axolotl: Axolotl care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Feed your axolotl once a day, offering a small amount of food that they can consume within 5 minutes.
What temperature should the water be for my axolotl tank?
Maintain the water temperature between 60–68°F (16–20°C) for your axolotl's health.
How often should I change the water in the tank?
Perform a 25% water change every 2–3 weeks to keep the water clean and healthy for your axolotl.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your axolotl is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.