The tank you choose for your axolotl could not be more important. It’s their home after all. For this particular pet, it is where they will be spending 99% of their time. You need to get it, just right.
But for an amphibian with such specific needs, it can be a little challenging to know what tank to get.
Besides, tanks come in all shapes and sizes!
They also come with a range of different features.
So below, you’ll find the recommendations, details, and reasons why these are the best tanks currently on the market.
Your axolotl will be pleased you checked!
The Best Tanks For An Axolotl
Axolotl Tank Details
- [Rich Landscape Application] Rich landscape design, suitable for all kinds of scenes.
- [Chance of Ultra White Vat] 8mm thick, high light transmittance and low iron glass, 91% transparency, bezel-less design, wide vision brings you immersive viewing experience.
- [High Quality Manufacturing Standard] Standard right Angle, mirror edge grinding, accurate size, uniform joints, smooth feel.
- [Fish tank specification] Size :23.6 "length × 15.7" width × 15.7 "high (60cm × 40cm × 40cm); Thickness: 8 mm.Approx 23.22 gallon
- [Packing, Transportation] Net weight: 43.6 pounds, Packing weight: 49.9 pounds; Professional packaging, transportation safety is guaranteed; Free shock absorber for aquarium made of EVA material.
- High quality glass construction with dimensions 30.25" x 12.5" x 12.75"
- For freshwater and marine applications
- Clean silicone edges (select sizes available in clear or black)
- Always include a drip loop when plugging aquarium appliances into the electrical outlet
- Place aquarium on stand able to safely bear the weight of a filled aquarium
- Dimensions - 24"(L)x13"(W)x16"(H)
- Clear Back Panel - Round Front Corners
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty Against Leakage
- Safer & Stronger than Glass
Axolotl Tank Buyers Guide
Below, I will answer some of the most common questions you may have regarding tank size and setup.
What Size Tank Do Axolotls Need?
Axolotls should be kept in a tank of at least 20 gallons, and that is at least 23 inches in length. What is most important for axolotls is that they have sufficient vertical space.
An axolotl will roam and explore around the bottom of the tank, and thus having a tank that is wider than it is taller comes strongly advised.
If you aim to keep more than one axolotl in a tank, you will need to get a larger tank, with 40-50 gallons being advised.
Aquariums (a transparent tank that contains water) is what you are going to need opposing to a terrarium (a glass tank for reptiles, amphibians, or terrestrial invertebrates, that does not contain water.)
Learn more about Axolotl movement: Do Axolotls Move A Lot? [How Much Space Do They Need?]
What Should I Put In My Axolotl Tank?
Outside of your axolotl, you should also be looking to add specific plants, décor, and a form of substrate. This will provide your axolotl with places to explore, rest and hide.
It’s important not to add too many additions to the tank, as this will take up a lot of space that an axolotl would prefer to have to explore.
Plants are great visually, and they also help to oxygenate the tank. Just be sure to select more robust plants, to prevent an axolotl from accidentally destroying them.
One of the best options here is Java Fern.
You’ll also want to include the likes of rocks, hides, and other decorations too.
When it comes to the substrate you do need to be mindful. There is always the chance of impaction with gravel.
For this reason, it is best to opt for fine sand.
Some axolotl owners choose to forego substrate altogether, although there is debate as to whether this can lead to stress.
Other Tank Requirements
In order to complete your Axolotl setup and to ensure the environment meets their needs and requirements, you will also need to add a filter and a thermometer.
Both of which will help you to control the water conditions; keeping it at a suitable temperature and sufficiently oxygenated.
Filters should provide low flow, with a lack of current. Otherwise, this can lead to stress.
Thermometers will ensure you can keep the water between 60-68° degrees Fahrenheit (15-20° Degrees Celsius), these are the ideal conditions for this particular amphibian who is native to the lakes of Mexico.
Lastly, it’s essential that you maintain a PH balance of between 6 and 8 – which is neutral.
Getting some PH testing strips comes advised in order to help you achieve this requirement.
What Size Tank Do I Need For 2 Axolotls?
It is strongly advised to purchase a tank of at least 36 gallons to house 2 axolotls. Generally, you should provide an additional foot of length for each new axolotl you have (with 2 feet being the requirement for one axolotl).
Although, housing two or more axolotls together in one tank is not required, nor necessarily advised.
Axolotls are solitary by nature and do not require the company of others to lead a happy, fulfilling life.
In fact, young axolotls are cannibalistic – so will need to be kept apart until they reach at least 5 inches in length.
Male and female axolotls can also breed – and they lay a lot of eggs!
You, therefore, need to be very mindful of the age, size, and sex when pairing axolotls together.
You also need to be sure to feed them well otherwise they can end up feeding off one another!
Finally
Getting the tank is just the first part of setup.
You will need to consider all of those different elements too, most specifically temperature and water filtration.
And once you have everything in place, and you home your Axolotl, from there it will be a lot of regular maintenance.
You will need to regularly replace the water, clean the filter and ensure that the PH balance of the water is in check.
This is all part of Axolotl care; besides we do not want our smiley salamanders to be sick or stressed.
We owe it to them, after all.
Related Questions
Can I Keep An Axolotl In A 10 Gallon Tank?
It comes strongly advised to not house an adult axolotl in a 10-gallon tank permanently. This is not sufficiently sized to meet their needs. This is especially true in 10-gallon tanks that have a lot of horizontal space. However, they could be housed there temporarily, such as during the cleaning of their regular and larger tank. It must also be said that a smaller, younger juvenile Axolotl (shorter than 4-5″ in length) may be able to be kept in a 10-gallon tank for a short while, or at least until they begin to grow into their adult size.
Are you looking for other supplies for your pet Axolotl? Then check out my other guides that list the best products in their category below!
- Best Filter For Axolotl Tank [Top Picks And Buyers Guide]
- Best Sand For Axolotl Tank [Top Picks And Buyers Guide]
I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.