Axolotl Filter and Water Temperature Requirements

Filter

Choosing a good filter for your axolotl tank can be a bit tricky. The reason for this is because axolotls are extremely sensitive to the strength of flow in the water. A filter that creates a water flow rate or current that is too strong will lead to your axolotls becoming stressed and significantly up their susceptibility to illness. The reason for this sensitivity are their delicate gills, which while beautiful to look at are easily irritated by too much water movement.

For some good information on filters, watch below:

Temperature

A crucial and often underestimated aspect of axolotl care is the ability to maintain law water temperatures in your tank water. Since they originated in cold water lakes, an axolotl’s ideal water temperature is about 60-64°F/16-18°C. Temperatures at or above 75°F/24°C can be fatal to your axolotl, so it is important to monitor your water temperature. For ease, we recommend you use an aquarium thermometer.

For the easiest and most worry-free setup, it is strongly suggested that you buy an aquarium chiller. These are essentially mini refrigerators which you connect to your tank with an external filtration system to cool – or chill – the water as it passes through the system. This will stop your tank water from rising above a predetermined temperature. This is the perfect piece of equipment for an axolotl owner as it removes any need to worry about water temperature, but unfortunately these units can be a little pricey. For a bit more of an in-depth look, check out our post on axolotl tank chillers.

For most people water temperature shouldn’t be a huge problem except during summer months, so they should be able to get by with relatively simple solutions such as: