(Part 2) Best products from r/axolotls

In addition to what the previous poster said about cycling the tank before you get your axolotl(s), I recommend a canister filter for a 20g tank.
I use this one: Penn Plax Cascade 500 GPH Canister Filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJIQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_z1TDybRH4D83H
It comes with a spray bar to help with aeration without disturbing your axolotl(s). I used a small hanging filter at first but it did not do the trick. Every time I chemically tested the water it was far from the correct conditions. The information for replacement filter media is either included or easy to find.

I also can't recommend this enough:
25 Foot - Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255NXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_P3TDyb818ZDDW
It attaches to a sink faucet (you will need a tool to remove the aerator on the faucet) and will both drain and fill your aquarium and save you a ton of time. It disturbs the water way less than lugging containers back and forth. My axolotls don't care about it at all, sometimes they would stay right in front of the tube as it was pouring water. They make different lengths, so measure the distance between your tank and sink before you purchase it. You'll want a little slack, of course.

Get a bottle of dechlorinator for when you do water changes. A digital aquarium thermometer is crucial for making sure the tank stays below 68°F. Having a separate container and a net is helpful in case you need to take the axolotl(s) out for salt baths, tank maintenance, or fridging.

Live plants are good for the tank's ecosystem but having some additional fake plants gives the tank a nice look. Make sure your live plants are either the floating kind or you have them secured because axolotls snuffle and bobble around and have a tendency to pull up your plants. If you feed them frozen bloodworms (as adults) it's helpful to have a clear turkey baster so that you can suck up the worms and feed them easily and make sure that the baster is always clean. Make sure you have something to clean up their poo, like a designated spoon or something.

I had sand for a while but it's a little hard to keep clean, so I removed all my sand recently and my axolotls seem to like it better. I replaced all their decor recently (because they're spoiled, lol) and one of mine really likes all of the new hides and the other really likes all of the new places to climb. They really like laying on top of their plants for some reason? So get sturdy plants I guess.

If your local temperature is hot and humid, you'll probably want to invest in (or build) some kind of chiller because evaporative cooling with fans won't work in high humidity. If it's hot but mostly dry, you might be able to get away with fans and an insulator (like this guy did: https://youtu.be/zp6QhXArIEY). I built one slightly better by using two layers of foam core instead of cardboard, and cut the sides of the four panels so they sort of puzzle-pieced together, making it easier to check on them.

I apologize for the lots of scattered info but I hope it helps!

Water parameters are super important! You can pick up a testing kit on Amazon for a good ten dollars cheaper than I've seen in stores, and I can't even begin to tell you how much of a lifesaver it is! ( Also it's just good to have for peace of mind. )

I was really new to keeping a fish tank when I first got my guy, and quickly learned aquarium decor is ridiculously expensive. Terra cotta pots are a pain to find on Amazon in my experience, but if you have the opportunity to pick a few up in a gardening store ( basically for pennies! ) they make excellent hides. ( Of which you want at least two per axolotl! ) I have four in my tank; two normal, one sliced in half to make a kind of cave a bit lower to the ground. ( Just make sure you sand down all the edges! ) The last one is wide, but only a couple inches tall, so I filled it up with sand to give him a little raised platform. PVC pipe can also be used as an inexpensive hide, and I've seen people do some really cool stuff with it. Also, plants! I grabbed these off of Amazon and my axolotl loves them, but in terms of live plants, you can't go wrong with marimo balls. ( Though there are other live plants that work well with them! Java fern and java moss are just two examples. )

Also, Axolotls are messy little guys. I'd highly recommend getting a turkey baster to clean up their waste and any uneaten food they leave behind. Personally, I feed my axie nightcrawlers with a big pair of tweezers and it helps keep the tank neat and tidy. ( Plus, it's a lot of fun! )

I have 2 axies in my 40g breeder and wouldn't feel super comfortable adding another, but you COULD go up to 3 safely, technically. The guide is 20g for the first lotl and +10g for every other.

I have a cheap fan similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/Works-VE-300-3-Speed-Velocity-Metal/dp/B01NAB44SM/

I lift the metal "stand" part of it as far back as it will go, and it happens to sit snugly over my filter. I wish I had a picture.... after posting, I'll go see if I happen to have one handy. But yeah, my house / area is also about 65-70 year-round with a few random hot days in the summer, and as long as we crank that fan to high, our tank stays stable. :)

I have a GFP wild type and a GFP leucistic (not albino but... close). My leucy, Sir Lancelotl, is extremely dopey and not aggressive at all. I occasionally have to pinch him lightly around the belly and drag him to another part of the tank when I'm doing cleaning or rearranging toys and he just kind of takes it. Lol. He also loves the pellets and will eat them right off the tank floor. He's a lot beefier than Dagon but never instigates fights.

Our wild-type, Dagon, is much more aggressive and likes hunting. He refuses to eat anything that isn't moving in front of his face, so on pellet days, we have to use a turkey baster to continuously lift and drop the same pellets until he snaps them up mid-fall. He also chomps down our ghost shrimp when we add them to the tank, whereas Lancey is pretty uninterested in them.

Not sure if wild-types being more aggressive is a noted trend or just my tank though.

If you're cycling frozen bottles a lot then that might be an issue. It creates a lot of stress when you have temperatures going up and down very frequently. You have to think of a more permanent solution to accommodate them. I don't know if that is your problem for sure but if he's curling then that's often a sign of stress. I would also take pictures of it, show us and post to caudata.org too. They have many more people who are more knowledgeable on this stuff. I wish you the best of luck. I know something like this pointed at the top of your water helps cool it down very well. Hope this helps!

I've heard these are amazing, but I've never used one myself so I can't say for sure. Does require some custom rigery of your tank though.

Right now all I'm using are 1 liter soda bottles filled with water (conditioned in case it leaks) and frozen. Once it gets a bit warmer I'm going to move them into a room with a portable air conditioner I got for less than $50 on CL. That's honestly my best recommendation, get a cheap AC off of CraigsList, cheaper than a water chiller AND you get to enjoy the cool air as well.

the specific listing i bought from is out of stock but i found the exact same one here as well :) it’s a cute little hobbit house, very high quality n she loves it haha

If you're doing daily changes and using a dechlorinator you'll be be fine but an ammonia spike may happen sooner rather than later. Your best bet is a sponge filter. Usually graded higher than the tank you're in (using a 20g get a 30+ sponge). A powerful air pump is also a good idea.

I use a 55 gallon double sponge (in a 33g long) that you can get on Amazon for 10 dollars. Will link the air pump for you if you are interested. Adjustable flow and 4 outlets for bubblers if you wanna use one down the line.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ILGHAU

Set up for TWO Axolotls

Realistic initial set up cost $145
(Not including cost of axolotls)

$5-$150 30g tank MINIMUM preferably 40+ (OfferUp Facebook groups Craigslist pet stores)

$1-$130Hides - decor or caves or even home made must be water safe even pvc piping works minimum of 2 for each (decor can become expensive fast if you want to make your tank look very “pretty”)

$20-$75 Filter - something with low current flow sponge filter or a canister filter with something to break up a strong flow if you have a sponge filter you need air line tubing and a air pump (link of canister filter is what I use in my 55g tank )

Bacto-Surge High Density Foam Filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GOFPX9I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oov7AbY5ESARC

Penn Plax Airline Tubing for Aquariums –Clear and Flexible Resists Kinking, 25 Feet Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002563MW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kpv7AbQ20H9V7

Tetra Whisper Easy to Use Air Pump for Aquariums (Non-UL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009YF4FI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Hpv7AbC3Y8R2Z

SUN 4-Stage Aquarium External Canister Filter with 9 Watt UV Sterilizer 264GPH (HW402B with Pro Filter Kits) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFCS6W7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CVv7AbX67HQED

$10-$15 Water additives
Water dechlorinator follow instructions on bottle if the tank isn’t fully cycled use prime plus follow instructions on bottle it helps keeps the water healthy for the axolotls too

API TAP WATER CONDITIONER Aquarium Water Conditioner 16-Ounce Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LO9KSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1qv7AbHFPEHT5

Tetra 77960 SafeStart, 100 Gallon, 250-ml, 1.69-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E2RI74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1tv7AbDHHEMEY

$20-$35 API water test kit to make sure the water is in good parameters
http://www.axolotl.org/requirements.htm

API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255NCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zvv7AbK35G0WW

$2-$10 Aquarium thermometer that reads down to 60 degrees F

CNZ Digital LCD Thermometer for Aquarium Fish Tank Vivarium Reptile Terrarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KPXVI94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yxv7Ab1NSQ5H6

$5-$20 Aquarium syphon

Aqueon Medium Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner, 9-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RK1WBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2aw7Ab3Z5KS9B

Feeding

$2.50-$3 Fishing earth worms (Walmart sporting goods section)
$10-$15 blister pack of 30 blood worm cubes (I can sell them to you while supplies last for $15 or you can buy them at any pet shop that sells fish)

Earth worms when they get bigger try to feed them nibbles of a worm like the size of their head and move up as they get bigger and frozen blood worms for first month to month and a half try to feed the earth worms to the axolotls ever couple days by hand until they start accepting them they might start accepting earth worms as soon as a week after receiving them from me (feed frozen blood worms every other day until they are regularly eating pieces of worm )

Maintenance

You can use a turkey baster and clean up their poops as you see them you’ll still have to do water changes but much less water 25%-35% or use a syphon once a week and do a 30%-50% water change along with the water dechlorinator and some of the safe start plus make sure to test the water regular with the api test kit

Keeping the water to the correct temperature

60-64F is the perfect water temp for them but it can be hard to achieve during summer but doing more regular water changes can help with that and putting a fan over the aquarium blowing on it will help by up to 4-5 degrees

NO SAND OR GRAVEL ESPECIALLY NO GRAVEL EVER sand maybe fine once they are 6-7inches but they will swallow it and they can become impacted and possibly lead to death

@OP

"Adult" usually means 20 cm and up.

I would just feed them two worms each, daily, until their belly is as wide as their head (without the gills). Then proceed with one. Too much food will kill them over time, too (fat liver).
Worms have to be cut if they are longer than the Axos neck to cloaka (between their hind legs).
If they eat they at least aren't dying sick.

Brine shrimp and blood worms (red fly larvae) are like candy for Axos over 10-15cm and don't have enough nutrients. Also: messy.

I use one like this for cleaning out the bombs or to suck off water:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RBLMJ56

Please add a comment with some pictures (link to imgur album) of the tank and the animals. If there is equipment you don't know, a pic of it will let us help with that, too.
Also provide us with water values (nitrites/nitrates, ammonia, temp, pH, ...)
We will gladly help you help the Axos, but we need your help to help. :D

And I dunno about conditioners, but the water needs to be at least dechlored when you live in the US or other countries that chlor their water.
In some european countries like Germany you usually can simply add tab water.
For now, I would fill the tank up and afterwards change 50%.

If you want to give them away, I'd rather find a private person or breeder via small ads.

Caudata.org is the site most people here seem to suggest for more detailed info.
Otherwise you can simply ask whatever you need here.

This sounds like a nightmare!! Why would you get the axolotls without a cycled tank?? That is very hard on those lil doods when they’re so little! I think they’ll make it, but run to the store and buy Seachem Prime and double dose your water to condition and help establish the tank quicker. If you have a 20 Gallon with 3 Axos in it, you HAVE to get more than a sponge filter, get a HOB filter meant for 20 Gallon, they’re literally like $30

Amazon Link

Definitely daily 50% water change until you get a filter setup.

sure, i use an active aqua brand water chiller on amazon, when it was on sale for $270

here is the link : https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Active-Aqua-Chiller-10/dp/B0048IVBT4

EDIT: i found a better deal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHHP71C/ref=dp_cerb_3?th=1

I would recommend leaving the sand out for babies, it also makes clean up easier - if you decide to add sand later you totally can. I'll include the link for the fan I use, I think the online reviews include some low scores but personally I've had this fan for almost a year and I really like it. It probably won't last forever but if you need ~5 °F drop it'll do wonders and it is so worth it for such a fair price. And the mounting system is nice - no worrying about anything falling in the tank whatsoever!

Zoo Med Aqua Cool Aquarium... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049RNVXI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And for this filter, would I also need an air pump? I know I sound incompetent but I promise I'm not!!! Just trying to cover all my bases!

​

https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Clear-Power-Filter-AquaClear/dp/B000260FVG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1536260246&sr=8-2&keywords=aquaclear%2Bfilter&th=1

I don't use silicone, no. I'm really careful when rebuilding the hides so they are stable. Make sure if you do order some, you check all the edges of the rocks to check for sharp spots. I didn't have any issues with mine, but you never know. These are the ones I ordered. I got a box of the 3-4 inch stones and a box of 5-7 inch stones

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Slate-Aquascaping-Aquariums-Enclosures/dp/B07CT75H4R/ref=pd_sim_199_1/142-6448497-3687416?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07CT75H4R&pd_rd_r=72b0338c-7728-4eec-8695-11a31743ce38&pd_rd_w=qnvoB&pd_rd_wg=0XrdK&pf_rd_p=5abf8658-0b5f-405c-b880-a6d1b558d4ea&pf_rd_r=8DTSJND8F86043E9BHRV&psc=1&refRID=8DTSJND8F86043E9BHRV

I bought this one and it usually brings it down 5 degrees F. But I wish I went DIY.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Aqua-Aquarium-Cooling/dp/B0049RNVXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397579131&sr=8-1&keywords=aquarium+cooling+fan

I live in New Orleans, so it's warm here. I first got this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JSVLBO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and it brought the temperature down a decent amount, ~7-8 degrees. Then someone on this sub was selling one of these https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Technology-Aqua-Aquarium-Chiller/dp/B004LPKG5Y/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1493135029&sr=1-7&keywords=aquarium+chiller for around 150, and now my 40 breeder stays in the mid to high 60s. If you want the chiller core device I don't use anymore, I'd give it up for say 2/3 price of new, but only get it if you know your tank is drillable.

IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller - 4 in. x 4 3/4 in. x 7 1/2 in. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JSVLBO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IRUZDbKDQKH7E

I have this one cooling a 40gal breeder, set to 66F. This means it turns on when the water gets to 69F and turns off when the water gets to 66F. It runs at least once an hour. Anybody who tells you that you don't need a chiller to keep axolotls better live in the arctic freaking circle, because to keep them without a chiller is basically animal abuse. Room temperature water is never going to be in the mid-60s, fan or no fan.