The Proper Way to Set Up an Axolotl Tank: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Why Tank Setup Matters

An axolotl’s tank is more than just a pretty display — it’s their entire world. Every detail, from the water temperature to the type of substrate, affects their comfort, health, and lifespan. A poorly planned setup can lead to stress, illness, and even shorten their life. But when you get it right, you’re giving your axolotl the best chance to thrive for 10–15 years or more. Think of it as building a safe, stable home where they can explore, eat, and rest without worry.

Myth‑Buster: “They’ll adapt to whatever you give them.”

❌ Not true — axolotls can survive in poor conditions for a while, but they won’t thrive.

1️⃣ Choose the Right Tank Size

For a single adult axolotl, 20 gallons is the bare minimum — and that’s for their comfort as much as your convenience. More water means more stable parameters, which means fewer sudden swings in temperature or chemistry. If you can go bigger, do it.

Shape matters, too. Axolotls are bottom‑dwellers who prefer to roam horizontally, so a long tank is far better than a tall one. Imagine living in a skyscraper where you can only move up and down — not much fun for a creature that likes to wander.

Myth‑Buster: “Smaller tanks are easier to maintain.”

❌ In reality, small tanks are harder to keep stable — bigger volumes dilute waste and temperature swings.

2️⃣ Keep It Cool

Axolotls are cold‑water amphibians, happiest between 60–68°F (16–20°C). Anything above 72°F for long periods can cause stress, reduce appetite, and make them more vulnerable to disease.

A simple aquarium thermometer is your best friend here. In warmer months, you might need a clip‑on fan to increase evaporation and cool the water, or even an aquarium chiller if your climate runs hot. Remember — you can’t “eyeball” water temperature; it changes more slowly than air, so always measure.

Myth‑Buster: “Axolotls need heaters like tropical fish.”

❌ Heaters can actually harm them — they’re built for cool water, not warmth.

3️⃣ Gentle Filtration

Clean water is essential, but axolotls dislike strong currents. In the wild, they live in calm lakes and canals, not rushing rivers. A sponge filter is a great beginner choice — it’s gentle, easy to maintain, and provides plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria.

If you prefer a canister filter, use a spray bar aimed at the glass to diffuse the flow. And before your axolotl ever sets foot (or fin) in the tank, make sure it’s fully cycled — we’ll cover that in Step 5.

Myth‑Buster: “More filter power is always better.”

❌ Strong currents stress axolotls — gentle flow keeps them calm and healthy.

4️⃣ Substrate Safety

When it comes to the tank floor, safety comes first. Bare‑bottom tanks are the easiest to clean and completely eliminate the risk of impaction. If you want a more natural look, fine aquarium sand is the next best choice.

Avoid gravel, small pebbles, or anything your axolotl could accidentally swallow — their feeding style is more “vacuum” than “bite,” and swallowed stones can block their digestive tract, and they’re capable of fitting things more than 2x the size of their heads in their mouths!! If you do use sand, rinse it thoroughly before adding it to prevent cloudy water.

Myth‑Buster: “They’ll spit out anything they can’t eat.”

❌ Axolotls gulp food — and substrate — without sorting it first.

5️⃣ The Nitrogen Cycle

This is the step that trips up most new keepers — and the one that matters most. The nitrogen cycle is nature’s way of making water safe for aquatic life. Beneficial bacteria grow in your filter and on surfaces in the tank, converting toxic ammonia (from waste and leftover food) into nitrite, and then into the less harmful nitrate.

To cycle your tank, you’ll need an ammonia source (fish food or pure ammonia) and a reliable test kit. Over 4–8 weeks, you’ll watch ammonia spike, then nitrite, and finally see nitrates appear. Only when ammonia and nitrite are at 0 ppm and nitrates are present is your tank ready. Skipping this step is like moving into a house with no plumbing — it might look fine at first, but problems will come fast.

Myth‑Buster: “You can just add water conditioner and skip cycling.”

❌ Dechlorinator removes chlorine — it doesn’t build the bacteria your tank needs.

6️⃣ Decor & Hides

Axolotls are shy by nature and need places to retreat. Provide at least one hide per axolotl — PVC pipes, smooth caves, or aquarium‑safe ornaments all work well. Avoid anything with sharp edges that could tear their delicate skin.

Live or silk plants can add enrichment and help with water quality by absorbing nitrates. Just make sure any live plants are suited to cooler water.

Myth‑Buster: “They don’t need hides if the tank is big enough.”

❌ Even in large tanks, axolotls feel safer with shelter — it reduces stress.

7️⃣ Water Quality Maintenance

Even a perfectly cycled tank needs regular upkeep. Test your water weekly for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Keep nitrates under 30 ppm by doing 20–30% water changes each week. Always treat tap water with a dechlorinator before adding it to the tank — chlorine and chloramine can kill beneficial bacteria and harm your axolotl.

Myth‑Buster: “If the water looks clear, it’s fine.”

❌ Harmful chemicals are invisible — only testing tells the truth.

8️⃣ Acclimating Your Axolotl

When the big day comes, resist the urge to simply plop your axolotl into their new home. Instead, float their transport container in the tank for 10–15 minutes to match temperatures. Then, slowly add small amounts of tank water every few minutes for another 15–20 minutes.

Once they’re in, keep the lights off for a few hours to help them settle in. This gentle introduction reduces stress and helps them feel safe from the start.

Myth‑Buster: “Just dump them in — they’ll adjust.”

❌ Sudden changes in temperature or chemistry can shock and harm them.

✅ Quick Setup Checklist

Use this handy check-list to stay organized!

💡 Pro Tip from LibertyLand

Many new keepers rush the setup — but the cycle is the single most important step. Skipping it is like moving into a house with no plumbing. Your axolotl might survive for a while, but it won’t thrive.

If you’re setting up your first axolotl tank and want a printable checklist or visual guide, check out our free resources at Liberty Land Axolotl Rescue — and share your setup photos with our community. We love seeing new axolotl homes come to life!