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I'm choosing to add a sponge filter, a 20-gallon tank, smooth hides, and soft or live plants because axolotls need cool, clean water with gentle flow to stay healthy. A sponge filter provides both filtration and oxygen without stressing them. The tank size gives them room to grow and move comfortably, and the hides help them feel safe since they don't like bright light. I’m avoiding gravel because it can be swallowed and cause serious health issues, and I’m skipping a heater because axolotls prefer cold water. All of these choices are based on keeping my axolotl calm, safe, and in a natural, low-stress environment.

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How do axolotls get air?

Gills, lungs (air gulps), and skin.

Do they need added air systems?

Yes gentle air flow (like sponge filter or air stone)is best.

Special equipment needed?

Sponge filter or air pump with air stone.

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Minimum Tank Size for an Axolotl

1 Adult Axolotl, Minimum: 20 gallons (75 liters)

But bigger is better 30 gallons or more gives them more room to explore and keeps water cleaner longer.

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Sponge Filter

Gentle water flow (won’t stress axolotl or blow them around)

Provides biological filtration (grows good bacteria)

Very easy to clean and maintain.

Other Good Option: Hang-On-Back (HOB) Filter

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What temp? 60–64°F (16–18°C)
They do best in this cool range.

Do I need a water heater ? No you should NOT use a heater for axolotls. Axolotls can get sick or die if the water is too warm, Temps above 72°F (22°C) cause stress, Temps over 75°F (24°C) can be deadly

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Purpose of a Hood cover-

1. Prevents Escapes

Axolotls are surprisingly good at jumping or climbing — a hood keeps them from escaping the tank.

2. Reduces Evaporation

Helps keep water levels stable by slowing down evaporation.

This is especially important in warmer or drier rooms.

3. Keeps Out Pets & Dust

Prevents cats, kids, or debris from falling into the tank.

4. Holds Lighting Equipment

Many hoods have a built-in light fixture or a space to mount one safely.

Do I need a hood cover?

Yes, Prevents my axolotl from jumping out and Helps maintain a stable environment and Keeps the tank cleaner and safer

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Why do we need light ?

Visibility – So you can see your axolotl and monitor its health.

Live Plant Growth – If you use live plants, they need light to survive.

Day/Night Cycle – Helps your axolotl know when it’s "day" or "night" (they’re most active at dawn/dusk).

Do I Need light?

Axolotls are nocturnal and prefer dim environments.

Too much light can stress them out, especially if there aren’t enough hiding places.

How long should I keep it on

keep it on for 8–10 hours a day max

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Why do we need light ?

Visibility – So you can see your axolotl and monitor its health.

Live Plant Growth – If you use live plants, they need light to survive.

Day/Night Cycle – Helps your axolotl know when it’s "day" or "night" (they’re most active at dawn/dusk).

Do I Need light?

Axolotls are nocturnal and prefer dim environments.

Too much light can stress them out, especially if there aren’t enough hiding places.

How long should I keep it on

keep it on for 8–10 hours a day max

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Fine sand (safe if swallowed)

Aquarium Sand (Fine grain)

$10–$20 (for 20-gal)

Tile flooring

$1–$3 per tile

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Java Fern (Live)

$5–$10 each

Silk Aquarium Plants

$10–$20 (set)

Ceramic Axolotl Hide

$10–$25

LED Hood Light$15–$30

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Axolotls live in- Freshwater

Native to: Lake Xochimilco in Mexico

3 Facts for the water environment-

1 . Cold Water is a Must

2. Clean, Dechlorinated Water

3. Stable Water Parameters Are Critical

Minimum tank size-

20 gallons for one adult axolotl

Add 10 gallons for each additional axolotl

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Semi-aggressive

Best Tank mate- Other axolotls (same size) Ghost shrimp, snails, minnows (maybe)

Avoid- Tropical fish, nippers, bottom-feeders

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Fish Common Name- Axolotl

Scientific Name- Ambystoma Mexicanum

Description- Mostly solitary and nocturnal, Can regrow entire limbs, spinal cord, parts of the heart, eyes, and even parts of the brain. Carnivorous, and have short limbs and have a Wide, flat head with a blunt snout Lidless eyes that give them a slightly alien or "smiling" appearance.

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Aquarium Goal #1- My goal is to make my aquarium stay in stable environmental conditions for my fish to live in.

Aquarium Goal #2- My second goal is for the fish to live in this year and for many more.

Aquarium Goal #3- My third goal is to practice this aquatics class and the nurture of a fish in my regular life.