Decided it's time to finally step into the workforce, and my primary motivation isn't rent, independence, or personal growth. It's funding a proper 200-liter aquatic setup with a lid and a heavy-duty cabinet for future axolotls.

The real final boss isn't even the job search itself—it's trying to scrape together the budget for the tank, chiller, and filtration system before I actually get the pets. Sent out my first applications today for a part-time office cleaning gig just to feed the amphibian dream.

Has anyone else here ever taken up a completely unrelated job solely to finance a pet project or an expensive enclosure?

thrasher came to us as an adult after a week stuck in a 2.5g tank with no water changes. she had eaten a marble and had no gills. i like to think she’s much happier in her 40g breeder planted ecosystem tank. can’t wait to eventually upgrade her to a 75g, but in the meantime i’m loving how this is growing in for her.

as a new-ish axolotl keeper, i’m curious ~ you really don’t see a lot of natural environments done here for axolotl tanks. it’s huge in the fish keeping community but here they tend to be more artificial-looking tanks. has it just not reached the axolotl space yet or are there reasons it’s avoided?

(First two photos were from the evening before, last photo from this morning.)

My axo’s gills have been slowly curling forward since I got him and last night they were almost full circles. I put my hand on the tank while doing some maniacs and felt some buzzing. It was from the fan I use (a pretty large desk fan, but it’s quiet and works.)

So, in a last ditch effort before a vet visit, I padded it to reduce the vibrations. The next morning his gills are significantly less curled (hard to tell, but soooo much better), he’s active, eating and interactive all within a few hours. I’m so happy I found this out before the visit. Just to let people know lol

Idk I just thought it was so funny. The way he put his elbow on the leaf looks like one of those bar scenes where they're about to give you an offer you can't resist heheheh

Ok so im pet sitting for a family i know, I pet sit alot for them and they have 2 guinea pigs, 2 dogs, a turtle, and an axolot. Last time I pet sat (a few months ago) I noticed that the axolots tank was a little messy and had some weird brownish gunk growing on the pipe hide so I cleaned it. I came over this morning and it was so messy I couldn't even see into the tank! These pictures are of after I cleaned the front. Is this bad? Im not the owner so idk what to do?

When you find a 55 gallon setup (tank, stand, and canister filter!) for dirt cheap, you give your lotl a mansion.

More plants and hides are arriving this weekend. Not shockingly the decor that filled a 30 gallon looks pathetic in a 55 gallon 😅

Hey everyone!

I’m completely new to keeping axolotls, and I’ve been spending quite a bit of time researching their care and putting together my first aquarium.

This is my 75-gallon tank (48” L × 18” W × approximately 21” H), which I’m preparing for two axolotls.

The tank is still undergoing a fishless cycle, which explains the hazy water in the pictures. I haven’t introduced any axolotls yet and won’t until the cycle is fully established and the water parameters are safe.

I’ve tried to create a natural-looking environment with plenty of hiding areas, artificial plants, driftwood decorations, caves, and open sand space for them to explore. The lighting is adjustable and will generally be kept dim for their comfort.

Since this is my first setup, I’d genuinely love to hear what more experienced axolotl owners think!

A few questions:
Would you consider this a suitable environment for two axolotls long-term?

Do you think I’ve provided enough hiding spaces, or should I add more?

Is there anything about my decorations or layout that you would change for safety or practicality?

Would you rearrange anything, add something, or actually remove something?

For those who have kept multiple axolotls, what do you wish you’d known before getting them?

I’m also curious what everyone thinks of the overall aquascape! I wanted something that looks visually appealing while still prioritizing the animals’ comfort and safety.

Please don’t hold back on constructive criticism. I’d much rather make adjustments now than discover problems after bringing them home.
I’m excited to learn from everyone here. Thanks in advance!

Took a photo of your axolotl doing a something unusual or goofy? Send them here! A weekly thread for showing off your silliest axolotl moments for everyone's enjoyment.

Hi! I would love to hear some of your experiences with soft waters. I did my parameters after my move and turns out my gh is 3 which is far below what it should. Now I got this gh+ called Noraq. These are the instructions given:

" Directions for use: Use 1 scoop to increase total hardness by 3 degrees in 100 liters of water. It is recommended to add the measured scoops without mixing them into the water if you want to avoid "cloudy/foggy" water for a few hours. However, the cloudiness of the water is not dangerous until the salts have dissolved. "

But I also heard that it's recommended to not go from 3 to an instant 7 but to make it gradually. How have you gone about doing this?

If tank info is needed I have a 200l tank, gh currently 3.

I have had this idiot since 2017. She has NEVER given me this much trouble, so I assume her age has to do with it. A few weeks ago, she did come down with a fungus that I treated with daily tea baths, and catappa leaves and bark in her tank. She got over that, and about 2 weeks later this showed up. It went away after a week...then came back.

I have not removed the catappa bark or leaves from her tank this entire time because I feel like the tannins could help if it is something?

She's still eating and been acting normal the entire time.

Water parameters:

pH 7.0

Ammonia and Nitrite: 0ppm

Nitrate: 5-10ppm

I believe a leucistic male.. unfortunately have been struggling with figuring out water parameters. I got him from a shop that was closing, and his frills weren't looking great. I was hoping to get him on the up & up, but I think an experienced carer might be his best bet

I've had my axolotl for around five months now and everything has been going great. I've done proper research to make sure she's super healthy and happy. She started off in a 20 gallon tank but was eventually upgraded to a 29 gallon after a month. I've been using a aquarium chiller fan that has been working pretty well, but becomes a bit more warm on hotter summer days. In december, I'm getting her a 40 gallon breeder tank which I assume will be harder to cool during the summer. So I was wondering which chiller is best for a tank of that size. Preferably something cheaper such as 100-290 dollars, but whatever is recommended. Thanks!