Axolotl Supplies I Rely On (and Actually Recommend)
When Lucy first arrived cramped in a tiny, gravel-filled tank, I spent nights troubleshooting filters, substrates, and decor until her new 20 gal long tank felt truly like home.
Over countless water tests and impaction scares, Iâve narrowed down gear that delivers reliable flow, stable temps, and snug hiding spots, without breaking the bank.
This page includes the supplies I personally use and trust. The essentials that keep her safe and healthy (filter, chiller, airstone), and a few fun extras and decorations that make her tank feel like home (yes, the volcano bubbler is totally worth it). Set up your first tank, or just give your lotl a better life, this list will give you a solid head start.
If youâre not sure what you need or want advice for your own axolotl, feel free to contact me. Iâm always happy to help!
Tank Cycling and Water Testing
Before you even think about adding your axolotl, cycling your tank is the first big step. You must build up beneficial bacteria and monitor water parameters like ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Here are the supplies to help keep your axolotl safe and your tank stable from day one.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
It is liquidâbased test kit that offers up to 800 accurate measurements for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. It lets you track every stage of your cycle. There are colorâcoded reagents and clear instructions to make water testing quick.
Dr. Timâs Ammonium Chloride
It is a precisely dosed, pure ammonia solution to kickâstart the nitrogen cycle in your empty tank. It wonât cloud your water or introduce unknown variables. You can add the recommended drops per gallon and get control over ammonia levels during cycling.
API Replacement Test Tubes
You donât think youâll need these until you knock one over mid-test or accidentally rinse one with soap (donât do that!). They are identical to the ones in the Master Kit, so itâs a simple way to keep backups on hand as they can break or get lost.
Seachem Prime
It is a fastâacting dechlorinator and detoxifier that removes chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals from tap water. It also helps stabilize ammonia and nitrite, and safe for axolotl and beneficial bacteria. Follow the dosing instructions when you add or change water.
Seachem Stability
It is concentrated blend of live bacteria cultures. You can add it once during startup to give your cycle a healthy boost. It stabilizes water parameters and reduces cycling time as it quickly colonize filter media and décor.
FritzZyme 7
It is a sevenâstrain bacterial supplement that jumpâstarts the nitrogen cycle. It contains both ammoniaâ and nitriteâeating microbes, and help you avoid dangerous spikes. Safe for all freshwater aquaria and for axolotl setups.
Cycling can feel tough. Iâve been in your shoes. And that’s why Iâve broken it down into simple, no-BS steps in my tank cycling guide so you can nail it on the first try. Do give it a read if you’re stuck.
Tank Setup Essentials
These are your non-negotiables. The tank size, substrate, cooling tools, filters, and more. Iâve listed the exact things I use to keep Lucyâs setup comfortable and safe.
20âGallon Long Aquarium
Axolotls need floor space, not height. Lucyâs in a 20-gallon long, which gives her plenty of floor space to explore, rest, and zoom around when the mood strikes. It is the minimum size for one adult axolotl, but, the more room the better.
Upettools Aquarium Air Stone
The air stone generates a fine bubble curtain, and boost oxygen exchange. I use two of them in my Lucy’s tank and its not noisy. Its durable construction resists clogging and breaks. You can simply attach to any standard airline tubing and adjustable valve to dial in the perfect bubble rate.
CaribSea Super Naturals Sand
It is a premium, inert aquarium sand. I love it due to ultra fine grain and neutral chemistry, so it wonât alter the tankâs pH or hardness. Also, it is easy to rinse and install, and creates a soft, natural appearance underfoot and under gill.
Hygger Double Sponge Filter
It is a versatile, highâcapacity sponge filter (20 gallons). The coarse and fine sponges provide both mechanical trapping of debris and ample surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. The operation is quiet and a gentle, lowâflow don’t stress the axolotlâs delicate gills. Assembling is also easy.
Baoshishan Aquarium Chiller
It is a midârange chiller for up to 92âŻL (â24âŻgal) tanks. The compressor is silent and ecoâfriendly refrigerant, LED display, and button controls are practical. You can set target temperature. The safety alarms help with leaks and waterâflow. Love it as there’s no need to monitor temperature continously.
Koonie Clip on Fan
If you can’t afford a chiller, use a clip-on fan. It won’t give you the exact desired temperature, but you can monitor and pair it with frozen bottles or ice-packs on extremely hot days. It’s lowâcost, energyâefficient, and has an adjustable mount so you can target airflow exactly where you need it.
AquariumâSafe Ice Packs
An emergency stopgap for sudden heat spikes. You can fill foodâgrade plastic bottles with dechlorinated water or grab reusable, aquariumâsafe gel packs and freeze them solid. Use them to quickly reduce temperature by several degrees. Then monitor closely and use fresh packs every fewâŻhours.
Capetsma Aquarium Thermometer
I love this thermometer because there are no wires and just a clear 3âł LCD. It shows realâtime temps and logs the dayâs highs and lows. There is fast 5âsecond refresh and ±0.9°F accuracy. It is powered by a single button cell, and stays clean and offers stressâfree temperature control.
Also Read: How to Care for Your Axolotl
Feeding Supplies
Feeding time should be stressâfree for you and your axolotl. I swear by long silicone tongs. They will keep your fingers safe and food in one spot. Offer juicy earthworms, proteinâpacked pellets, or Repashy Grub Pie.
Earthworms (Uncle Jimâs Farm)
Earthworms are nutritious, natural, and easy to digest. You can keep a good supply on hand, and buy in bulk. I get mine from Uncle Jimâs Worm Farm. They specialize in Red Wigglers. Or try vermicomposting for eco-friendliness.
Repashy Grub Pie
I used this a lot when Lucy was recovering. It smells kind of weird, but itâs soft, packed with nutrients, and honestly a lifesaver for sick or picky axolotls. Mix it with boiling water, and once itâs cooked, itâs like a semi hardened gel. I slice it like skinny worms and wiggle it in front of her with tongs, and she snaps it up.
Rangen Salmon Pellets
These salmon pellets are soft and donât cloud up the water. The protein content is around 45%. Theyâre gentle on axolotl bellies and a solid backup when worms run low. I grab the 11âŻoz jar, and it lasts me a good while.
Invert Aquatics Soft Pellets
Invert Aquatics pellets are basically Rangen repackaged: same 45% protein and copper-free. These soft, moist pellets sink fast and smell good to axolotls. Theyâre easy to break into smaller pieces for babies or picky eaters. They work great as a daily food or supplement if your axolotl donât like earthworms.
Tank Decor
Add some hideouts and decorations in your axolotl tank. You can try smooth caves or gentle plants. The decor gives your axolotl places to chill and explore. Here are some options that stay put, wonât scratch, and add a little flair too. I’ve also added live plants, Pothos, Ivy, and Amazon Swords.
Glazed Ceramic Bowl
This is Lucyâs little âdining room.â Itâs sturdy, heavy, and sits flat in the sand without floating. I originally bought it as a soap dish, but it landed in her tank later. Plus, it looks adorable when she sits inside.
Volcano Bubbler Ornament
This oneâs for fun, but it doubles as an air stone. The bubbles help with water circulation and oxygen, and looks pretty in tank too. Totally optional, but it adds a little personality to the setup.
JIH Resin Hollow Tree Trunk
This little âwoodâ trunk is a hideout and playground in one. There are three entry holes, and your axolotl can poke around, nap inside, or peek out for snacks. The resin holds up to water, wonât rot, and the barkâlike finish adds a forest magic to your tank.
JIHAQUA Terrarium Decor
It’s like an axolotl personal cave: sturdy, rockâlike, and impossible to tip over. Plus, it’s roomy enough for your axolotl to hide, rest, or even âshedâ stress away. I loved the natural rock texture blends as it gives a realistic look in the tank.
Maintenance Tools and Extras
Axolotl tanks can get messy fast. These are the tools I use to make water changes, sand cleaning, and general tank upkeep less of a hassle. Trust me, they can save you time and stress in the long run.
Python Aquarium Maintenance System
This is the gold standard for noâmess water changes. The faucet pump and gravel tube handle draining and refilling automatically, and you can skip the bucket ballet. Iâve never had to tip over a tank or chase dripping hoses again.
Pawfly Aquarium Magnetic Glass Cleaner
If you glass is dirty or you face algae buildup, these magnet pads scrub inside glass tanks like champs. The soft outer side wipes it all clean. I love that I can reach corners without dunking my hand in chilly water: fast and fussâfree.
Patelai Silicone Tongs
I use long silicone-tipped tongs with blunt ends. The soft tips grab earthworms, pellets, or grub pie easily and wonât scratch her skin. You can deliver treats without poking your axolotl or jabbing your fingers.
Indian Almond Leaves
Reach for these whenever your axoltl is stressed, recovering from illness, or have skin issues. Theyâre also great during tubbing or when youâre cycling a tank. They create a soothing, antifungal boost naturally.
Summing Up
And thatâs the gear I swear by. It’s everything thatâs kept Lucy healthy and happy.
Alright, hereâs the simple rundown before you bring your axolotl home:
- First, cycle your tank so the water is safe and bacteria are doing their thing. Check out my cycling guide if you’re unsure.
- Next, set up your tank with sand, filters, cooling, and hides. Add a chiller and maintain water temperature.
- Then grab the supplies on this page and arrange them just right.
- Finally, learn how to feed and care for your axolotl in the feeding guide.
Thatâs it. Follow those steps, and youâll have a healthy axolotl. And if you hit a snag, don’t hesitate to contact me!
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