Tank Requirements

The minimum tank size for an axolotl is a 40-gallon breeder, as anything smaller isn’t suitable for their size. It also requires far less maintenance with water changes, to keep the water suitable. If you’re cohabiting, the minimum is 30 gallons + per axolotl. So the smallest tank size for two is a lowboy 60-gallon.

40 Gallon Breeder from Ethical Axolotls

As axolotls mostly are on the bottom, tall tanks are not suitable for axolotl housing.

Their temperature range is also about 55F - 68F, so fans or a chiller are typically required to keep them cool.

Axolotls are very sensitive to light, so it’s also recommended to have 2-3 hides available for them to escape light. Because of this, lights aren’t necessary for Axolotl aquariums, though if you need one for your plants a couple of hours a day, this is fine.

It’s also recommended to have a lid of some type as axolotls can jump from the water, and an egg crate can have space to allow airflow while keeping your pet safe. A glass lid is typically used if a chiller is also hooked up, as it allows no airflow. If you opt for no lid, it’s recommended not to fill your tank completely.

Axolotl are also solitary creatures and don’t need a buddy to be happy, in fact, frequent feeding and monitoring are required if more than 1 are in an aquarium together. This is due to the fact they will bite and injure any other creatures in their aquarium. 

Fish are NOT recommended as being housed with axolotl as they can attack their gills and injure them by damaging their slime coat. There’s also a risk that fish cause thiamine deficiency in axolotls, and their bones can cause impaction. 

Plecos and other algae-eaters are especially dangerous, as they can latch onto an axolotl's slime coat and cause raw wounds.

Snails present similar risks, trap doors can also injure them by shutting on them.