Interested In Axolotls :)

[Piiglet]

Hey, I posted in the introduction section, but looking through the site, this looks like the better area to post this!


I was given a 10 gallon by my parents for my bday - - it has been firmly stated that this is all I am allowed.

I have access to matured media from my neighbor - - upon hearing about my tank they gave me a big lecture about the necessity of cycling, I then came on the net and furthered my research - - def going to only use matured media for the cycle.



I have always been interested in axolotls - - looking online I am seeing mixed info and I don't generally trust fish store people.

Some sites say 2 are fine in a standard 10 gallon - - my dimensions are 20" long, 10" wide, and 12" high.
other sites say 10 gallons for 1...


so my questions are

A) how many will be ok in a 10 gallon?

B) is it better to have sand substrate or river rock substrate? (have read that gravel is bad because they can accidentally ingest it and choke or have their intestines blocked so I am not considering it at all)

C) live plants? plastic? silk? - - have heard they can really damage live plants and uproot them....

D) are internal or external "waterfall" filters best?

E) how do you sex them?

F) I do not want to breed, will it be bad if I keep 2 of the same sex together? (are males territorial etc?)



and please feel free to give me any other info/tips you can!

 

[Asp]

Basically, even in captivity expect an adult axolotl to reach a minimum of 10" head to tail, personally I would not keep on in a ten gallon - sorry!

I gave a brief bit of advice in this topic - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/335529-just-a-few-axalotl-questions/

I hope that helps.



Hovever - there are several smaller newt species which are just as interesting and have similar care requirements. Personally I think they make great little pets!

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

For an axolotl you need a 20 gallon tank.

As Asp said there are lots of newts or frogs which would go in your 10 gallon tank

 

[Forestpisces]

I have 2 axolotls and i would never see even my small female ( 9 inches) living in a 10 gallon let alone my big male ( 11 inches). Caudata.org is your best bet for advice on them or Axolotl.org is excellent as well