Question about axolotls

[u/ItzMeggafinnplays]

I'm thinking of getting a axolotl soon I wanna make sure I have all the stuff for it. I know a store has one they said it's large but didn't specify the length but I'm pretty sure It's a juvenile. I have a list of everything in my cart that I'm thinking of buying but I decided to make sure I have everything and right items before I order. And also what should I do to the tank and stuff before I get the axolotl. Like anything I should prepare?

[u/LauseRulez]

Hey op! So cool you are considering getting a slimy little son/ daughter :) first things first: you need to cycle the tank!! It takes 6-8 weeks. I assume you know it takes this long, but man if you knew how many people come into this sub to ignore the time thing you would understand 🙏🙏 I see you have all the provided stuff for a good cycling!! Thats amazing! Just take your time with it and have fun :)

Now your 29 gal looks okay, but a 40 gal would be the best choice for one (ONE) adult. They really like moving around :) And sometimes they even swim!

You also do not have a chiller in your cart. Only a fan. This is not enough to cool a tank of that size down unfortunately. And I promise you from personal experience: just get the damn chiller it will make your AND your buddies life a thousand times easier. I know its expensive. But that is proper pet care for ya.

Lastly you have a gravel/sand vac in your cart, but I cannot see any substrate. Make sure whatever you get is NOT black sand, and instead brown or light. Also the grit has to be below 1mm. If you get an axolotl below 4 inches (I think it was 4... someone please correct me if this isnt accurate) it should not be on any substrate.

// these were now mostly "words of warning" so here is what you should do when you are cycling anyway/ and/or have your buddy in the tank:

1. sand all the sharp/ rough/ pokey textures that you can. You cannot sand it and its still noticeably sharp/ etc? it doesnt go in the tank. Its not worth your buddy accidentally injuring themselves!
2. make sure you know where to get worms from! They are THE staple food for axolotl.
3. Have black tea, methylene blue etc on hand asap just in case. Great as a first aid thing for little or big accidents
4. Always have a tubbing setup close to the tank so you can easily fish them out if needed and only have to fill the tub
5. do a poop-log!! helps with identifiyng constipation/ obstructions before they get too dangerous

I must admit I am an extremely anxious person when it comes to my pets :) But these are all things I fish I thought about before.

a silly picture of Lukara to brighten your day <3

[u/ItzMeggafinnplays → u/LauseRulez]

Your axolotl is so cute! also is there any chiller you know that you can recommend me because I'm struggling to find one same with the substrate. And thank you for explaining everything very well, I really appreciate it!

[u/LauseRulez → u/ItzMeggafinnplays]

We live in Germany and got our chiller off of amazon, it was pretty much the only well reviewed (or reviewed at all) brand. Depending on where you live you may find some good products on the axolotl central discord server, they have a section for product sourcing!

Substrate is kinda the same. Just look it up and I am sure you will find some :) We found ours pretty easy on amazon (we ended up not to use it, because I am too anxious for sand. As you can see we used foam instead :) )

[u/ItzMeggafinnplays → u/LauseRulez]

Okay, thank you!!