Like with hides, this is where you can let your creative side take over a bit. The addition of plants (real or fake) and other objects helps to give your axolotls a sense of security, while also making your aquarium more pleasing to the human eye.
The main thing is just to make sure that you research properly before putting things in your tank to avoid unintended effects. For example, seashells have been known the raise the pH of tank water. You also want to avoid just taking rocks from your garden to drop in the water, as they may have residual pesticides or other chemicals on them. For a good thread on safe decor for your axolotl tank, check here.
Axolotl Hides
As previously mentioned, axolotls are sensitive and prefer low light environments. Therefore it is very important that your axolotls have an adequate number of “hides” where they can chill out away from the light. It is generally recommended to have at least 1 or 2 hides per adult axolotl so they have plenty of space to make themselves comfortable. A hide should be big enough for the axolotl to have its whole body in comfortably.
For the more creative among you, it is possible to make your own hides for your axolotls. One of the most popular styles is to use PVC pipes or terracotta pots. Please note that if you create your hides through cutting or breaking a PVC pipe/terracotta pot you should make sure to sand it down so that there are no sharp edges. Axolotls have very sensitive skin that can be cut or scraped very easily, so it is important to take special care with whatever you put in their tank.
This also extends to any hides you might decide to buy from the pet store. Before buying, make sure they are safe for aquariums and do not have sharp edges that could injure your axolotl.
If you decide to buy instead of make one, some good options are this, this, this, and this.
Axolotl Tank Plants
While your axolotls will enjoy exploring the things you fill their tank with, there isn’t much indication that they care whether the plants are real or fake. This is mostly up to your sense of aesthetics as an owner.
Live plants do have a benefit of helping better develop your tank’s nitrogen cycle. Plants will produce oxygen and suck nitrate out of the water. If you decide to go with live plants, check out our post on the best axolotl plants for some ideas on what plants to go with.
