Axolotl tank setup

[Tom the bomb]

I'm starting a 15-gallon axolotl tank wth one axolotl.
The 15G used to have fish but I moved them off to my 40G tank. The tank is now empty except for a betta, heater and gravel. The 40G has a betta so I can't put it there. My 80G is full of aggressive fish so that's a no too. I'm planning to get a 3-5 gallon tank for that single betta that comes with a built-in low flow filter and I'll get a nano heater too.
I heard axolotls like cool water: temps of 60-66F. Should I get rid of my heater? The temp now is 79F so I'll do a 50% water change after the betta is gone and replace with cold water.
I also heard axolotls can swallow anything that fits into their mouths. Should I replace the gravel with sand? (axolotl might swallow or maybe get scratched on it)
Do you think I should get a chiller? (I don't want too)
My biggest question is: I removed the decor so there is more space but I also want to get some live plants suitable for axolotls at that temp so it won't be too bland looking. any suggestions?
Suggestions for a tank, with filter, 3-5 gallons, with hood and light, <$60 for my betta? (must be available at petsmart, bigals, amazon.ca

What should I feed it?

 

[twentyleagues]

Correct on temp and it is critical it stays below 70f. Remove gravel. And prepare a larger tank as grown axolotls need more space then the 15g you are starting with. At colder temps bacteria is slower to grow also and slower to act so make sure to keep that in mind while cycling this tank.

 

[Tom the bomb]

wait...... Bacteria grow slower in axolotl tanks
can I get sand though? Any plant suggestions
its winter in Canada now so the temperature shouldn't be a problem and I'll add cold water after

 

[Raka]

I'm starting a 15-gallon axolotl tank wth one axolotl.
The 15G used to have fish but I moved them off to my 40G tank. The tank is now empty except for a betta, heater and gravel. The 40G has a betta so I can't put it there. My 80G is full of aggressive fish so that's a no too. I'm planning to get a 3-5 gallon tank for that single betta that comes with a built-in low flow filter and I'll get a nano heater too.
I heard axolotls like cool water: temps of 60-66F. Should I get rid of my heater? The temp now is 79F so I'll do a 50% water change after the betta is gone and replace with cold water.
I also heard axolotls can swallow anything that fits into their mouths. Should I replace the gravel with sand? (axolotl might swallow or maybe get scratched on it)
Do you think I should get a chiller? (I don't want too)
My biggest question is: I removed the decor so there is more space but I also want to get some live plants suitable for axolotls at that temp so it won't be too bland looking. any suggestions?
Suggestions for a tank, with filter, 3-5 gallons, with hood and light, <$60 for my betta? (must be available at petsmart, bigals, amazon.ca

What should I feed it?

If your not willing to get a chiller not sure this is the pet for you.

How cool is your home in the warmest parts of the year? My unheated tank sit 72-76 in the winter with just an LED light for heat. My home is 70ish always.

 

[twentyleagues]

wait...... Bacteria grow slower in axolotl tanks
can I get sand though? Any plant suggestions
its winter in Canada now so the temperature shouldn't be a problem and I'll add cold water after

Yes sand is good. They can be pretty tough on plants but I had anubias crypts and hornwart. Also temps required to keep them can hinder your plant choices alot are tropical so look for temperate plants. I also agree heartily with what Raka said. I had mine in an umheated portion of the basement never went over 68f even in summer and was around 60 in the winter. I tried keeping them upstairs in a room that I had the vent shut in the winter and the vents open for a/c in the summer. They kept getting bacterial infections once I put them in the basement it was all good. Temp needs to be maintained at no more then 68f.

 

[Raka]

I was offered one for free from the LFS, had essentially all the equipment I needed other than a chiller, was all on board for a "free" pet. However, I could never get the temps in the tank cold enough even sitting directly in front of the AC with the lid off.

I have heard the same from a lot of local keepers that 68 an below is a must for any real longevity.

 

[twentyleagues]

I was offered one for free from the LFS, had essentially all the equipment I needed other than a chiller, was all on board for a "free" pet. However, I could never get the temps in the tank cold enough even sitting directly in front of the AC with the lid off.

I have heard the same from a lot of local keepers that 68 an below is a must for any real longevity.

Its true I lost my first two one because I dont think I got the tank cycled properly and the other to continued bacterial infection. My next two I had until my recent divorce about 2 years. When that happened they went to the lfs first of all my fish. Im glad in a way I did give them up as my current house while it has a pretty spacious basement is also heated by a boiler and it gets pretty warm in the basement. Without central air it will be pretty warm upstairs in the summer until I figure out a solution for that that doesnt cost me $20,000. Better for them. Actually one is staying at the lfs its a full grown melanistic gfo. He looks like a glow in the dark toothless from how to train your dragon. Kids love him.

 

[Jacob92677]

1) Keep your tank in a cool room
2) no gravel (don’t risk him eating gravel or sand)
3) run only a sponge filter
Any kind of motorized pump will add heat into your tank
4) go on amazon buy a small fan to clip to top of the tank the fan will cool your water just enough
Should cost 10-15 bucks
look up YouTube there are a few hood videos that explain it like I just have
Good luck

 

[Jacob92677]

I was able to
Keep my tank at 62-68
Doing what I described ^

 

[Tom the bomb]

I cleared out the tank. bacteria have stabilized already from the previous fish. Empty now. Temp: 65.5F
Jacob92677
you live in California (pretty hot) I live in Canada (pretty cold)
So I'm fine. Room temp is always at 73F (kinda hot)