Axolotl Care: Do’s and Don’ts – Avoid THESE Mistakes with Your Axolotls!

Axolotls are incredible creatures, but they need special care to ensure they thrive. Whether you’re new to owning an axolotl or you’re a seasoned keeper, following these essential do’s and don’ts will help keep your pet healthy, happy, and stress-free.. Here’s a comprehensive list of tips that will help you avoid common mistakes in axolotl care.

Axolotl Care: Do’s for a Happy and Healthy Pet

1. Increase Oxygen Levels with a Sponge Filter or Air Stone

   • Ensure proper airflow in your axolotl’s tank by using a sponge filter or air stone. Light water movement promotes oxygen-rich water, which helps maintain big, beautiful gill filaments—an iconic trait of healthy axolotls! If you want to learn more about Axolotls and proper aeration, read our guide HERE.

2. Feed Live Food for Optimal Nutrition

   • Live nightcrawlers are a staple for axolotls, providing essential macro-nutrients. For smaller axolotls, California live blackworms or white worms are great options. Larger axolotls can occasionally be fed mosquito fish, but make sure the fish are well-fed to avoid them preying on your axolotl’s gills. The Ultimate Guide to Axolotl Nutrition is a fantastic guide to learn more about axolotl food for every life stage.

3. Provide Hides for Your Axolotl’s Comfort

   • Axolotls don’t have eyelids, so make sure their tank has hides where they can escape bright light. This reduces stress and mimics their natural environment, helping them feel more secure.

4. Use Programmable Lighting for Day-Night Cycles

   • Axolotls need a clear distinction between day and night. Bluetooth-controlled lighting allows you to easily create a day-night cycle, ensuring your axolotl gets the natural rhythm it needs for a healthy life. We go through a detailed Axolotl Lighting Needs blog HERE.

5. Monitor Tank Temperature with a Thermometer

   • Axolotls are sensitive to temperature. Keep the tank water between 60-68°F to prevent bacteria and fungus that can harm their health. An underwater thermometer helps you keep a close eye on any fluctuations.

6. Separate axolotls if aggression occurs

   • If one of your axolotls becomes aggressive, such as nipping at another’s gills, separate them into a different tank. After feeding them well and ensuring they are no longer stressed, you can attempt to reintroduce them.

7. Siphon Waste Regularly to Maintain Water Quality

   • Axolotls produce waste that can quickly degrade water quality. Siphon out excrement as soon as possible to maintain optimal water conditions. Consistent small tasks prevent bigger problems down the road.

8. Add Live Plants to Improve your Axolotl Tank Conditions

   • Natural plants increase oxygen levels and improve water quality. They also create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for both you and your axolotls.

9. Regularly test your axolotl's water parameters.

   • Axolotls are highly sensitive to water conditions, so regularly testing for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH is essential. Use a reliable water test kit to monitor these levels and ensure they stay within safe ranges. Proper water maintenance can prevent health issues like fungal infections or gill deterioration. Keeping track of your water quality is one of the best ways to ensure your axolotls thrive in a stable and healthy environment. If you need any help with Tank Cycling, this guide is a great one for you to read.

10. Check out the Axolotl Planet Amazon Store!

    • We have hand-picked a range of products designed to make axolotl care and axolotl supplies easier to find and more effective. Also, don’t forget to read our Bulletproof Axolotl Care Guide for more in-depth tips.
    • Click HERE if you want to visit our Axolotl Planet Amazon Store.

Axolotl Care: Don’ts to Avoid Common Mistakes

1. Don’t Mix Aggressive Fish with Axolotls

   • Fish like goldfish can bite at the gill filaments, causing immense stress and physical damage to your axolotl. Axolotls are happiest as solitary creatures. Many fish, like goldfish, may nip at the delicate gill filaments of axolotls, causing stress and injury.

2. Don’t Leave Uneaten Food in the Tank

   • Remove any food your axolotl doesn’t eat promptly, as decaying food can ruin water quality overnight and introduce harmful bacteria.

3. Don’t Skimp on Lighting Quality

   • Invest in quality, Bluetooth-controlled lighting that allows you to easily mimic day-night cycles. Not only will this benefit your axolotl, but it also enhances the ambiance of the room!

4. Don’t Leave Your Axolotl Unattended for Long

   • If you're going away for more than 2-3 days, make sure someone you trust is monitoring the tank. Water parameters can shift quickly, leading to poor conditions if left unchecked.

5. Don’t Ignore Signs of Illness

   • If your axolotl’s gills are arched forward or if you notice fungus or bacterial growth on their skin, check the water parameters immediately. These are common signs of stress or illness.

6. Don’t Handle Your Axolotl Frequently

   • Axolotls have sensitive skin and slime coats that can be damaged by handling. If handling is necessary, do so carefully and for short periods. Read our article on Do Axolotls Like to Be Touched? For more information.

7. Don’t Place Drinks or Foreign Objects on the Tank

   • Accidents happen! If a drink spills into the tank, it can quickly turn into a disaster for your axolotl. Always ensure that the tank environment is kept clean and safe.

8. Don’t Buy from Axolotls From Unreliable Pet Stores

   • Overbreeding and incest can lead to genetic deformities and early death. Always buy from reputable breeders like Axolotl Planet, where the health and genetics of the axolotl are prioritized. Avoid stores that do not track axolotl lineage, as overbreeding can lead to genetic issues like organ failure and early death. If you want to learn more about how to Buy an Axolotl, read our Guide HERE.

9. Don’t Use Small Rocks in the Tank

   • If items in the tank are smaller than twice the width of your axolotl’s head, they could accidentally ingest them, which may lead to serious health problems. Use larger decorations or glue smaller materials down to avoid this risk.

10. Don’t Get an Axolotl Without Being Prepared

    • Owning an axolotl is a commitment. If you or your family members aren’t fully prepared for this responsibility, consider an axolotl plushie or t-shirt instead until you’re ready to care for the real thing.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be on the right path to keeping your axolotls healthy and happy. Proper care not only ensures the well-being of your pets but also enhances their beautiful and fascinating qualities. Axolotl Planet is here to help every step of the way!