Tanks

$50  Aqueon 20 gallon long, for one axolotl

$110 Aqueon 40 gallon breeder, for two axolotls 

$135 ZooMed Lowboy 28 gallon, for one or two axolotls

$160 ZooMed Lowboy 50 gallon, for up to three axolotls

Pumps

$30  Hygger 6watt dual outlet pump

This dual outlet pump has a dial for adjusting air flow.  The box also includes 2 air stones.  It is strong enough to run 2 large filters.  This is a nice quiet pump that we just love!

Filters

$10 Seeded sponge filter- small

$15 Seeded sponge filter- large

For 20 gallon tanks, we recommend one large filter or two small filters.  For 40 gallon tanks, we recommend 2 large filters. We have extra filters in all of our tanks.  When you are setting up a new tank you can cycle quickly with our seeded filters.

Water Conditioner

$6 Seachem Prime Water Conditioner 3.4 oz

$12 Seachem Prime Water Condition 8.5 oz

$6 Fritz Complete Water Conditioner 2 oz

$12 Fritz Complete Water Conditioner 8 oz

Water conditioner is used to remove chlorine from tap water before adding to the tank. We also use it in quick cycle setups to bind nitrates until the bacteria in the quick cycle gets into proper balance with the axolotl.
 

Test Strips

$12.00  6 in 1 aquarium test strips, 50 strips

For the first few weeks of the quick cycle, nitrites need to be monitored until the bacteria population is in proper balance with the axolotl.  We use the test strips to monitor the nitrite level.  We like this brand because it shows safe levels in addition to unsafe levels.  This helps us understand what is happening in the water.

Siphon

$15 Water Siphon

Water changes need to be performed weekly to keep nitrates at a healthy level.  It is also the opportunity to remove debris from the bottom of the tank.  This siphon has a guard on the end which protects the axolotl from injury.  

Waste Remover

$6 Waste Remover

The waste remover is useful for spot cleaning in between water changes.  Axolotl droppings are encased which makes removal very easy if caught early. 

Net

$4 Net 6"

The safest way to remove the axolotl from the tank is with a net.  This net is large enough to be used with an adult sized axolotl.  The net is also useful for removing larger sized debris such as dead leaves during water changes, or when spot cleaning.

Thermometer

$12 Hygger digital thermometer

Axolotl water temperature range is 54-68 degrees.  It is important to keep an eye on the temperature, especially in summer months.  

Hygger programmable led light

$45  24 watt 24-30"

$50  26 watt 30-36"

$60  36 watt  36-42"

Hygger lights are programmable with a lunar blue setting.  With axolotls we use the lunar blue setting for day and off at night.  This light can be programmed to automatically come on in the morning and off at night.

Decorations

$2 - $8 Plastic Plants

$10 - $50 Ornaments- various sizes and types

Decorations create an attractive display.  More importantly the axolotls enjoy using them.  Frequently they find comfort hiding behind them, resting on them or even holding onto them. 

Live Plants-Java Fern & Anubia

Bare Root $8

Potted $12

Due to the cool temperature and low light, few plant varieties survive in axolotl tanks.  We limit our selection to Java fern & Anubia since they are suited for these conditions.

Hide

$15 Hygger log Hides- Medium & Large

$15 Zilla log hide- Medium

$25 Zilla log hide- Large

$25 Zilla corner platform

Each axolotl needs a hide to rest in.  When they have maxed out their social energy they relax in the safe comfort of a hide, much like we do. Our favorite is the large hugger log hide.  It was designed specially for adult axolotls.  The length is enough to give them cover while fitting nicely in a 20 gallon tank.  The width and height give clearance for their gills.  The "window" hole is just large for chubby female to exit.  

Tongs

$5 Angled Feeding Tongs 10"

Tongs can make it easier to feed axolotls worm as well as pellets.  These tongs are easy to squeeze and hold onto food, making it easy for young fingers.

Food

$6 Red wiggler Tub- 3 dozen worms

$5 European Nightcrawler Tub- 18 worms

$11 Hikari Sinking Carnivore Pellets

Live worms are the favorite daily food source.  Red wigglers are recommended for juvenile axolotls.  Once the axolotl reaches 6 inches it can easily manage a daily European nightcrawler.  Carnivore pellet are a great snack that serves also as a vitamin.  These pellets promote long, fluffy, bright gills.  

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