An aquarium that houses an axolotl is essentially a second home for the animal, so keeping an axolotl tank clean is imperative.
Not only will this help manage odors, but it also helps support the axolotl’s health. When you clean a tank, try not to use bleach as it can harm the axolotl.
Instead, use something like dish soap and a scrubber and make sure that you clean out any leaves or debris in the tank. There are also unique products that you can purchase to help in the maintenance of your axolotl’s habitat.
How to Clean an Axolotl Tank
You might be unsure how to keep your axolotl’s tank clean now that you have one. Be assured that regular aquarium care is relatively simple! To ensure that there isn’t a buildup of dangerous ammonia and nitrates in your tank, you must drain 25% of the aquarium water every one to two weeks.
Follow the steps below to keep your aquarium clean and safe for your axolotls.
Step 1: Vacuum the Water’s Surface So That All Dirt and Debris Are Removed.
The fine particles of debris can cause diseases and lead to death. Dirt stuck to the water’s surface is also harmful because its toxins will enter your fish’s system and infect it. All fish have a built-in defense system that protects them from bacteria and other foreign antigens.
If your axolotl’s immune system is not entirely developed, this dirt will come in contact with its bloodstream and be absorbed into its body, causing severe health problems.
How Much Water Do You Need to Take Out?
Many people believe that you must empty your aquarium to clean it. AVOID DOING THAT. If this is done, most aquarium animals will perish, plus it involves more labor than is necessary.
Only 25% of the water needs to be removed and replaced. So, as previously indicated, determine how many gallons your tank holds and then calculate what 25% of that is.
Step 2: Start Cleaning
Once you’ve got all the fouling out from around the tank, you can start scrubbing it. This is where things get a little more rustic.
First, cut some old newspapers into squares about three to four inches. This will give your scrubbing surface an absorbent quality that will help the cleaning process. Once that’s done, grab a bucket and fill it with water (depending on your axolotl tank’s size).
Put some soap in it but not too much, just enough to make it slippery sufficient so you can stay in control while scrubbing without losing grip on what you’re doing.
Grab your scrubbing brush and scrub the tank with it. Holding the brush at an angle that matches how your tank tilts is best. By applying pressure from several sides, you can remove all of the gunk from around the openings of your tank.
After a minute or so, you may need to stop and wipe the area with a paper towel or some other rag cleaning. (If you are using a scrubbing pad, ensure it is not so slippery that it slips off your axolotl tank.
Step 3: Set up the Tank
Once you’ve gotten all the gunk off your tank, it’s time to arrange the tank itself. This is where you will have a lot of options to consider.
You can have an utterly free-floating axolotl tank with no lid or a partially enclosed one with a small lid.
You can also choose to add decorations like rocks and plants, or leave your axolotl’s habitat simple and maybe just add some gravel and decorations that are more appealing to its eyes rather than its taste buds.
Step 4: Replenish the tank with water
You can now fill the tank with fresh water while not letting any dirt get inside the tank. You can also add some aquarium salt or dechlorinated tap water to kill off any bacteria in your tank. Axolotls can be sensitive to chlorine and chemicals, so take care if you do this.
After you clean the tank, you must rinse it thoroughly with water. This will allow all dirt and dust to be cleaned, but this is not enough.
It’s also good to clean or replace the gravel or substrate before getting a new plant for your pet. After all these steps, you can create a new arrangement for your fish in its tank.
How to Set up Your Axolotl Tank
Make sure that you have the proper type of aquarium set up. Axolotls are more delicate than most other fish species, so they need a special environment to live in.
As axolotls have heavy breathing requirements (they love to surface for air), it is essential to have the tank set up with a lot of open space in the water column so they can breathe comfortably.
A good setup for an axolotl tank consists of an open-top aquarium with a good filter, having one end with land sticking up above the water level.
The tank should be at least 5-10 gallons in size. A temperature range between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit will be ideal.
The tank can be set up indoors or outdoors. It is an excellent idea to locate it where there will be no extremes in light, temperature, or humidity. This species does not like to be moved around, and the stress of being relocated could compromise its health.
How Do You Know When to Clean Your Axolotl’s Tank?
As your pet develops, the frequency of tank cleanings becomes more necessary. It is advised to do a thorough cleaning procedure once a month and change at least 20% of the water weekly.
As your axolotl develops, you should progressively raise the weekly water change percentage to at least 80 percent.
A home with an axolotl tank must be spotless to provide the proper care for your pet. Your axolotl tank is a sensitive environment; therefore, it’s crucial to clean it with that in mind.
Our advice is to do cleaning periodically, have a proper filtration system in place, and always ask for professional assistance when you feel out of your element.
