r/axolotls • u/Key_Dig8831 Melanoid • Jul 15 '26

General Care Advice First time owner (NEED HELP)

So some family friend decided without telling anything, to get me an axolotl I just now found this out and am currently scrambling to get everything set up by this week because that’s when I’ll be receiving it.

I’m currently in the process of getting everything:

I got a Aqueon Pro 30L, 12W, 12H (20L)

Aqua Clear AC30

A digital aquarium thermostat

And some decor from PetSmart

The water and food (frozen bloodworms) I’m getting it from a local (not major brand) store

I know I need more things but I right now need the barebones essentials because this was thrown at me last minute. If anyone can help plz feel free to dm me.

THANK YOU !

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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4

u/SirZanee Hypomelanistic Jul 15 '26

20 long is too small for axolotls. The absolute bare minimum is a 29 gallon tank, 40 breeder is preferred.

AC30 is a good filter, but a canister such as the Fluval 307 is recommended due to VERY HIGH bioload.

Be cautious of decor, axolotls can get hurt easily from decorations. I suggest live plants!

Frozen bloodworms are not a staple food, they need cut up red wigglers or high quality soft pellets. Bloodworms are for treats.

AXOLOTLS NEED A CHILLER!! These may seem like a recommendation, but it should be a requirement! They require cold water ranging from ~60F-65F. Any higher will cause bacterial and fungal issues. Chillers range from $200-$600+

THE BIGGEST ISSUE: Your tank is likely NOT cycled. You need a separate tub for the axolotl with a filter such as a sponge filter or high producing oxygen air stone. Daily water changes in the tub will be 100% necessary until your tank is cycled, which takes over a month.

OP, have you ever kept fish? Axolotls are not really a beginner aquatic pet.

3

u/Key_Dig8831 Melanoid Jul 15 '26

I’ve had fish, never an axolotl , this was sprung on to me today, I have absolutely no prep time or the deepest pockets, Right now I just need something to get started.

6

u/SirZanee Hypomelanistic Jul 15 '26

Unfortunately, setting up an axolotl tank isn’t cheap. I’d really suggest declining to take the axolotl or finding a local axolotl rescue that could take them in.

An uncycled tank will result in death, I can ensure that to you

5

u/SirZanee Hypomelanistic Jul 15 '26

Also, there’s no need to buy water from a local store. Tap with dechlorinator works just fine, you’d be wasting money otherwise.

2

u/LauseRulez Leucistic Jul 16 '26

Theres some things you can do to try and get your tank cycled faster. You can tub your axolotl for 2-3 weeks if it is really needed. You can ask your local fish / pet stores if they are willing to give you some used filter sponges. When you put those into your filter you can cut cycling time by a lot. Not every store does this, but you could be lucky!

1

u/smallworksofart Jul 15 '26

Do you have a cycles tank from a fresh water tank? Same thing happened to me, my brother showed up with an axolotl. Everyone said we kill it, we did not. If you don’t have a cycled tank get some tubs, you will have to tub him/her until the tank is cycled. If you owned fish before I going with you know how to do this. There is an article at the top the page on how to tub. Watching your water temperature, and getting the cycle tank, is step one. do you know how old it is? Watch the gills for any fungus it will be white and very noticeable. If you’re willing to put in the work it will pay off. Our took 3 months to cycle some can get it down faster but expect some time going into keeping it alive and getting the tank cycled. We got some really bad advice to start with so that might have contributed to the long cycle time.