7 Axolotl Care Mistakes to Avoid
7 Essential Tips for Happy Axolotls!
Keeping axolotls like my buddy Mr. Wiggles happy is a labor of love. With the right care, they thrive!
Mr. Wiggles isn’t just a pet; he’s family. Seeing him swim around brings me joy, reminding me why proper care is crucial. I share my experiences on my blog, ExoTails, to help others keep their axolotls healthy and happy.
Avoid These Common Mistakes****
Start with a 20-gallon tank, maintain 15-20°C water, and keep ammonia and nitrites at zero.
I remember one time I thought Mr. Wiggles was sick, but it turned out my water quality was off. That moment taught me the importance of regular testing and water changes. Now, I’m diligent about it.
Feed them high-quality protein—no pizza for these guys! Limit handling and avoid aggressive tank mates. Your axolotl deserves the best life possible!
Incorrect Tank Size

When it comes to caring for axolotls, one of the most critical mistakes I see is using an incorrect tank size. Trust me, your axolotl, like my charming Mr. Wiggles, deserves more room to roam.
For a single adult axolotl, you should aim for a tank that’s at least 20 gallons—think 60cm x 30cm or even better! If you’re feeling generous, go for a space that’s 70cm long, 45cm wide, and at least 30cm high. Water quality is also easier to maintain in a larger tank, which contributes to a healthier environment for your axolotl. A larger tank also allows for better biological filtration, which further enhances the water conditions.
Why? Because axolotls are bottom dwellers, and they thrive in horizontal space.
Picture this: a cramped tank leads to high nitrate levels and stressed-out axolotls. Nobody wants a grumpy axolotl, right? It’s all about meeting those space requirements.
If you’re considering multiple axolotls, you’ll need to add about 20cm in length and 10 gallons for each new friend.
Inadequate Water Temperature
Maintaining the right water temperature for your axolotl is essential, especially since fluctuations can greatly impact their health. Trust me, I learned this the hard way with my axolotl, Mr. Wiggles.
The ideal temperature range is between 15-20°C (60-68°F), with 64°F being the sweet spot. If you’re aiming for breeding temperatures, think 16-18°C (60-64°F). It’s also important to use a reliable thermometer to monitor the water temperature consistently.
Anything above 24°C (75°F) can send your little buddy into a panic. You might notice signs like loss of appetite or pale patches on their skin—definitely not the look we want for our aquatic friends!
On the flip side, temperatures below 15°C (60°F) can slow their metabolism. I once panicked when Mr. Wiggles became sluggish and I realized I’d let the temperature drop too low. Gradual acclimation to temperature changes is critical for their survival, as drastic shifts can lead to severe stress or even death.
Poor Water Quality

While I was still getting the hang of axolotl care, I quickly learned that poor water quality can be a silent killer. Seriously, it’s like the ninja of aquatic dangers. You think everything’s fine, then BAM! Your little buddy isn’t thriving anymore.
That’s why I can’t stress enough the importance of water testing and maintaining a proper pH balance. Trust me, you don’t want to mess around with these basics. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Keep the pH between 6.5 and 8.0, with an ideal range of 7.4 to 7.6.
- Make sure ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 ppm—no one wants a toxic surprise!
- Nitrate levels should hang out between 5 and 20 ppm.
- Use water conditioners to eliminate chlorine and chloramines.
- Consider adding salts to maintain water hardness for your axolotl’s health. Regular water changes are also necessary to maintain quality and remove toxins. Filtration systems can also help in maintaining optimal water conditions.
It’s all about creating a safe environment for your magical creature. I learned the hard way with my axolotl, Mr. Wiggles, and I created ExoTails to help others avoid my mistakes.
Neglecting Water Changes
Neglecting water changes can wreak havoc on your axolotl’s health, often without any immediate signs. I’ve learned this the hard way with my axolotl, Mr. Wiggles, who turned a lovely shade of grumpy when I didn’t keep up with water testing and conditioning.
You see, axolotls thrive in clean water, and regular changes help prevent the buildup of nasty stuff like ammonia and nitrites. Trust me, you don’t want your little buddy dealing with fungal infections or gill deterioration. Maintaining optimal water conditions is crucial for their well-being.
How often should you change the water? Well, it depends on your tank setup. For a 92-liter tank, I changed about 25 liters daily to keep things in check. Frequent small changes are generally preferred over infrequent large changes to maintain a stable environment.
And keep in mind, sudden temperature changes can stress your axolotl out, so always condition the new water to match the tank’s temperature.
A reliable water test kit is your new best friend; it’ll tell you when it’s time to change the water. Incorporating live plants can help, too.
Feeding Inappropriate Foods

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in axolotl care is feeding them inappropriate foods. Trust me, I’ve been there with my axolotl, Mr. Wiggles. I learned the hard way that what seems like a tasty treat for us isn’t always suitable for them.
Here are some foods to avoid at all costs:
- Human food (yes, even table scraps!)
- Processed meats (preservatives? No, thanks!)
- Hard shell crustaceans and insects (digestive blockages? Yikes!)
- Feeder fish (parasites galore!)
- Other pets’ food (not formulated for our slimy pals)
Feeding inappropriate treats can throw off their nutritional balance and lead to serious health issues. Just picture Mr. Wiggles giving me the side-eye after I almost offered him a piece of my pizza. It’s crucial to remember that axolotls require specific nutrients to thrive.
I quickly realized that raw or cooked meat mightn’t be the best primary food source either. Axolotls are carnivorous, and their diet should mainly consist of high-quality protein sources. Stick to a diet designed for axolotls, like high-quality pellets, worms, and occasional shrimp without shells. Your little buddy will thank you with a happy wiggle!
Keep in mind, keeping them healthy means knowing what’s on the menu!
Mixing With Aggressive Fish
Mixing axolotls with aggressive fish can lead to a world of trouble. Trust me, I learned the hard way with my axolotl, Mr. Wiggles. I thought he could handle a few feisty tank mates, but oh boy, was I wrong!
Here’s a quick glance at some incompatible fish species that can create serious stress factors for our beloved axolotls:
Fish Species | Potential Issues | Compatibility Level |
---|---|---|
Goldfish | Nipping fins, causing injury | Low |
Cory Catfish | Sharp spines can harm axolotls | Low |
Bettas | Aggressive nipping tendencies | Low |
Piranhas | Highly aggressive, environmental mismatch | Very Low |
Aggressive fish can nip at gills or fins, leading to stress and health risks. They’re like that annoying neighbor who plays loud music at 3 AM—no one wants that! It’s essential to remember that ideal tank mates should be chosen to ensure a peaceful environment for your axolotl.
When considering fish compatibility, think about their behavior and needs. Your axolotl thrives in calm waters, while those speedy swimmers just stir up trouble. So, let’s keep Mr. Wiggles safe and sound by choosing tank mates wisely!
Frequent Handling

Although it might be tempting to show off your axolotl by picking it up for a closer look, frequent handling can do more harm than good. Trust me; I learned this the hard way with my axolotl, Mr. Wiggles. He wasn’t thrilled about my frequent “meet and greets,” and I quickly realized stress management is essential for their well-being.
Here are some handy tips to keep your axolotl happy and safe:
- Sensitive Skin: Their skin and slime coat are delicate. Even a gentle touch can damage them.
- Stress Signals: Quick movements or twisting might mean your axolotl is stressed. Time to put them back gently!
- Injury Risk: Mishandling can lead to broken bones or worse. Yikes!
- Water Quality: Germs and oils from your hands can contaminate their tank. Always wash up!
- Short Handling: If you must handle your axolotl, keep it brief and cautious. Additionally, minimizing stress is crucial for their health as they can be sensitive to environmental changes.
Unique Substrate Ideas for Axolotls
After learning the importance of handling my axolotl with care, I realized that choosing the right substrate is just as essential for their comfort and health.
You might think, “What’s the big deal about substrate materials?” Well, it’s like picking the perfect pair of shoes for your axolotl!
Bare-bottom tanks might seem easy for cleaning, but they don’t mimic their natural habitat, and trust me, Mr. Wiggles hates feeling exposed.
Gravel? Forget it! The risk of him snagging that stuff in his mouth isn’t worth it.
Now, sand is where it’s at. Fine grain sand offers a comfy surface for your axolotl to grip, reducing stress and the chance of any intestinal drama.
Plus, it actually mirrors the environment they thrive in!
If you’re feeling adventurous, bioactive substrates mixed with live plants create a mini-ecosystem. This setup cuts down on maintenance and keeps your tank cleaner.
Additionally, using the right substrate can contribute to better water quality management, ensuring a healthier environment for your axolotl.
Home Care for Axolotls

When it comes to home care for axolotls, I quickly learned that creating the right environment is essential for their well-being. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp on their space!
Here are a few key tips I discovered along the way:
- Tank Size: At least 100 cm long and 2 square feet per axolotl is a must.
- Hiding Spots: They love to chill in cozy corners, so include plenty of tank decorations.
- Water Quality: Keep it cool (15-20°C) and clean—nobody likes a dirty pool.
- Lighting: Go for dim lighting to respect their nocturnal vibes; they’re not fans of the spotlight!
- Feeding: Stick to live food for ideal nutrition and keep in mind to clean up any leftovers—no one wants a stinky tank!
Oh, and if you’re thinking about breeding, those tips will come in handy too!
My axolotl, Mr. Wiggles, thrives in a well-cared-for environment, and that’s why I started ExoTails—to share the joy of these unique pets. Additionally, maintaining water quality is crucial to prevent illnesses that could affect their health.
With a little effort, you can create a happy home for your axolotls!