20 Gallon Axolotl Tank Setup UPGRADE!

Upgrading my axolotl tank setup! Mochi is moving out of his 15 gallon into a 20 gallon. New decor, new sand substrate, a good ole' fun setup video :)
Nano USB Air Pump ► www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
Finnex Stingray LED Light ► www.aquariumcoop.com/products...
I N S T A G R A M ► / theturtlegirl
P A T R E O N ► / theturtlegirl
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2916 NW Bucklin Hill Rd PMB 108
Silverdale, WA 98383

[@TheTurtleGirl]

As per the advice of a few of you, I've adjusted Mochi's feeding schedule and am ensuring the temp stays low. Some of you suggested it could just be bad genetics, so we'll see how he does over the next couple of weeks. Thank you all for your feedback, it's very much appreciated :)

[@Jord4n.]

What did you do with the previous tank

[@ericabrown2331]

Where can I get in in the axolotl

[@alex_bickel]

Quick question do you need a lid on the tank for the axolotl

[@TellMeWhoIAmPlease]

@@alex_bickel yes, on rare occasions they sometimes jump out of their tanks...

[@TellMeWhoIAmPlease]

Whats that plant that you have in mochi’s tank?😲💕

[@julianbrito3687]

Such a majestic creature. New tank looks amazing!!

[@iihhyut]

Your setups never fail to impress me! Mochi is so lucky

[@Avocetexotics]

It looks so good! Mochi is precious!

[@joermo74]

The pots were such a great idea!!!

[@Chilam.]

This is really cool and it inspired me to upgrade my claudius angustatus tank

[@wetcorn6509]

I love the pot idea!!

[@mileskorb9424]

Yes! I love the enclosure vids so much! I haven't been here for a while, and your at 50k now. Keep it up!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Thanks for checking in again!

[@totallynotiz3955]

I’m getting an axolotl and I can’t wait to try out what you have taught me so far !

[@Zoe-mb6vn]

Awesome video! I’m hoping to get one in the near future so I took notes from this video! TY

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Really relaxing to watch! I love your Zen setups, catching up on your vids now :p

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks! this is def a chill vid ;)

[@EShum]

I'm very interested in getting an axolotl myself and love learning more beforehand! That's a great setup and I'm defintely gonna make sure my pet has a 20 gallon tank to enjoy!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

awesome!

[@mae9078]

Mochi is adorable and I love the “have a turtaly awesome day.”

[@TheTurtleGirl]

:D thank you!

[@fireballreviews4347]

Yay for Mochi! So exciting! 😄

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Very!

[@jasminegray1058]

Ive learned so much from you and my turtle loves me lol thank you for your videos they are very helpful I binge watch your channel ❤❤ much love girl ❤❤

[@Paper_Flowers]

Thank you for all the axolotl videos!! It helped me with my two :) Hope you have a great day!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Glad they could be helpful :)

[@pecosR0B]

very nice upgrade for mochi!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

i think he enjoys it for sure! thanks!

[@zeyneptepegoz1911]

Your videos are the best and also helpful! The new decor looks great! even tho I don't have a pet, your videos are still fun to watch! Thank you! You are so helpful and nice! Have a great day! :D Your animals must probably like their home! :D

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@sydneytoshok8481]

Great setup! I can't wait to redo my axolotl's tank here soon. Mochi's super attentive to you... "Mommy, please feed me a worm!" That being said, Mochi looks extremely thin and his gills don't look the best either. They're short and lack gill filaments. A healthy axolotl's belly should be as wide as their head. Gills are also a good indicator of an axolotl's health. They should be long and fluffy as long as the water quality is good. Is the water too warm? Warmer water speeds up axolotls' metabolisms and can shrink their gills as well. That being said, I don't think Mochi is per se stunted. He looks of decent length, it could just be that he's been underfed. Also, I would consider not filling the aquarium to the top with water. Axolotl's also have lungs and like to swim up for air every now and then. Axolotls are also known to jump, and since you don't seem to have a lid, lowering the water level a bit can help minimize the potential of them jumping out.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Thanks for your advice! Your thoughts have been echoed by a few other commenters so I'm increasing his feeding schedule and lowering the temps a bit. Appreciate you taking the time to share!

[@sydneytoshok8481]

The Turtle Girl Fantastique ! Can’t wait for more videos on Mochi! Do keep us updated :)

[@jaydenmederos1356]

I'm thinking of getting a axolotl and I did a lot of research but this helps a lot :)

[@mg_mtb9709]

That's exactly what I am doing rn

[@deadfred821]

I’m loving the look of the new scape; the pots do add a nice touch. The sand looks good too. I’m no plant expert, but I believe they consume O2 when not photosynthesizing; so the plant may be robbing some oxygen from the water the axolotl needs if you rarely use the light(s). Perhaps a different airstone for finer bubbles may stimulate more gas exchange to get more O2 in the water. Again; I’m no plant expert; so you may want to verify this info before snatching out the anubias cause some guy on the internet said something that sounded halfway smart.... Did I just troll myself?🤦🏾‍♂️

[@TheTurtleGirl]

That is a great observation. Didn't think about that! Appreciate your suggestions.

[@dailydoseofkayla]

Super cute! Be careful of the metal rings on the hammock they will rust in water! 😊

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Yep, thanks for the tip. I tried to make sure I got stainless, but still keeping an eye on it :)

[@Polyzosteria]

@@TheTurtleGirl it changes the pH of the water- it’s not good for the tank whether it rusts or not.

[@illza]

I am fr crying i LOVE MOCHI SO MUCH!1!1! He is adorable 😍

[@TheTurtleGirl]

I KNOWWW

[@Daniel28021991]

Nice setup

[@gigglegiggles3189]

Your so gentle. They seem like they'd be so sensitive to our touch

[@radhakm6163]

I love your videos!!!

[@yashikarathore1992]

Beautiful

[@tsoksa1252]

Amazing greate job

[@FeiLongFaye]

To be completely honest, mochi isn't looking too good. His gills do not look very healthy, and a skinny Axolotl that isn't growing are usually indicative of parasites.

[@Shrekowski]

I have an axi that looks very similar in terms of gills and being skinny. I switched him to feeding almost everyday with a fasting day once every week and he's grown A LOT and his gills are looking healthier. Sometimes switching your feeding habits goes a long way

[@TheTurtleGirl]

really appreciate the feedback. I'll switch up the feeding routine and keep a close eye. Thank you!

[@helloitislucie4475]

@@Shrekowski could you help me with that? I have the same issue.

[@hethey66]

The Wood floor looks so pretty.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks!

[@stevenafay]

I’m getting an axolotl within the next 2 months and I’m so excited!!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

hooray! do you know what color morph you want to get?

[@fralinger_bt4859]

100% underrated

[@TheTurtleGirl]

haha thanks!

[@twistyfish9890]

Best axolotl KZbinr ever.

[@cor4978]

Do you have to do any treatment to the pot before putting it in? 🤔 It look amazing! Might try it.

[@Divinehasabadmic]

Nice video

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Thanks!

[@DEATH--RAY]

Your axolotl is so lucky to have you

[@yom0mma376]

By far the best turtle KZbinr ever 😌

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thanks for the kind words!

[@yom0mma376]

@@TheTurtleGirl you’re welcome! I love your videos and pets :)

[@muh25MCG]

Just wanted to say thanks a bunch for your channel! I'm a fairly recent subscriber, but you definitely have a really awesome thing going here. I've had my painted turtle for almost 12 years now, and I've learned so much just in the past 6 months of things I could be doing better! I was just curious how old you were when you got Hoku...It's been really neat seeing some of the progression as you've learned things whilst doing research on how to keep your turtle happy and healthy! Thanks for teaching me and I look forward to more videos!

[@j.a.nimdeokar4283]

Mochi is sooo cute 😍

[@TheTurtleGirl]

thank you!

[@j.a.nimdeokar4283]

Welcome

[@j.a.nimdeokar4283]

I love mochi sooo much he is sooooo cute i am janhavi A.Nimdeokar from India and i am 13 years old and a big fan of you the turtul girl

[@j.a.nimdeokar4283]

What's your turtul's name 🤔

[@Nightkpr1]

Do you have a link to your fan? And also for the sponge filter. I'm interested in getting one for my 12 year old for her birthday. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@gabriellaaquino5053]

Love your video! Just a question, the water you used to fill the new tank, was that partially old water and new water? Usually setting up a new tank requires some cycling, were you able to skip that step because of using your old filter and old water?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Yes, I saved some of the old water (though I didn't mention that in the video). Also, the bioload of the tank is pretty low because I spot clean every time the axo poops, so the cycle shouldn't be under too much stress :)

[@luismalko-allen759]

great video I just bought a baby Axolotl.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Nice!

[@paranorman1646]

what size tile did you use for the 20 long cause i wanna get tiles for my 20 long leopard gecko tank

[@gabby-ky2sl]

Hi so I was wondering where you got your filter I've been looking for one

[@noperdoo52]

Hey, your channel is awesome! Just found it and I will be referring to it a lot since I am planning on getting an axolotl. I was just wondering what you kept your room temperature at? And what temperature your tank usually stays around?

[@jaydenmederos1356]

I don't know about hers but I think axolotls like mid 60's

[@Slow4runner]

What sand brand you use? And what’s the process of getting the sand ready or do you just pour in tank and fill?

[@twistyfish9890]

5:00 HES IN THE TUBEEE

[@beadedbymi1924]

Where did you buy the old tiles for mochis tank?!

[@Pikachu-zz8ro]

I LOVE AXOLOTL

[@TheTurtleGirl]

I do too!

[@rubberducky6758]

Awwwwwweeee mochi is so precious💜 also may i know what kind of plants u use cus im also planning on upgrading my axie's tank. Thank you so much and i love you:)

[@amandameans1590]

Same I want to know what kind of plant that is

[@amandameans1590]

Oh lol she says it in the video its annubias. I have one but it's much smaller.

[@notnoah361]

My axolotl is 2 year old now, and shes around 8 inches. Is it time to upgrade from my 20 gallon high?

[@sawyerz3551]

did you not have to cycle your new tank? do you only have to do that with new water?

[@kuikui013le4]

Adorable

[@cellularshark7380]

Axolotls make me smile

[@TheTurtleGirl]

they sure are cute!

[@issacdeleon5333]

I know it's such a late a late time to tell you but my turtle stopped eating and you were the one that recommended to get the basking light so I thank you for that but what do I do when he's not eating He's sleeping a lot I think he might be constipated but he has seemed to poop I'm not sure please respond

[@Unfathamablesurises]

What size are those terracota pots? Cause when I try and buy some I don’t know which size to get.

[@phyllismaddaloni2536]

Hi! What filter are you using?

[@icyflame2576]

Where and what do you use to get the proper type of water? I would love to have an Axolotl but idk how to get the proper water-

[@MrLoki3112]

Mochi Is Cute 😍

[@TheTurtleGirl]

He really is!

[@Alyk0125]

Did you clean the PVC pipes ? When you bought it from a hardwares store?

[@collin_9209]

I watch because I love your channel and that they is a hurricane going to hit me in 4 hours

[@fayedowning9319]

So you didn't need to do a cycle? Filters didn't to be replaced? Would like to see cycling

[@RabbiPorkchop]

Nice to see mochi again :) How did those white clouds work out?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

He ended up eating them, which was unsurprising. :P

[@treyd1906]

How do you keep the tank from instantly hazing up with the sand substrate? Even the initial putting in water... is the secret to start with wet sand to begin with?

[@apreil4821]

Your supposed to wash your sand, I buy a bag with a bit of air space and then pour the water inside and slosh it around and dump it until the water looks semi clear. Then I hold the bucket in one hand and tip it over my other hand and pour the water on my hand so the water sprays onto the walls. It takes a bit of practice to make sure the water doesn’t go out of the tank but it works :D

[@iggy_the_axolotl]

Hi! What was the original tank size I’m just curious maybe a 15 gal?

[@Little_Conroicht]

Do you have a link to that filter you have for mochi?

[@jaimehill1271]

Do we have to worry about the sand getting into their gills??

[@neontears]

Hey, I don’t know if you answered this in your video cuz I haven’t watched it all yet! But I’m very curious what size was the tank before if it wasn’t 20gal already it looks fairly large?

[@carrastencil4309]

I’m pretty sure it used to be a 20 gallon tall and she switch it to a 20 gallon long.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

it was a 15 gallon :)

[@donaldsherylmacintosh995]

Hi my daughter just got an axolotl about 2 weeks ago. He or she is a baby right now, albino. Is it normal for his eyes to be clear instead of black? I see all your videos on cleaning, thank you for them. I see you don't have an air stone, do you find that the sponge filter is enough? Also, does your tank get lots of debris in the bottom? Where is a good place to get live axolotl plants like yours?

[@Idk-ru7tf]

Where did you get the fan?

[@trishachandler6897]

hi ! i always struggle with water changes what are the names of the pumps that you use to take the water in and out?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Usually they're called gravel vacs or water changing siphons. :)

[@pentakitty]

what vacuum do you use to suck up the water? tired of using buckets to fill my tank!!

[@deathsnake1481]

Where did you get that tank as I'm getting an axolotl

[@feebeegee2984]

Where did you get the tank?

[@kalyanichandra.8622]

Does anyone know where to get the PVC pipe hides? I’ve been having trouble finding the right size. Mochi is adorable!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

just head to your local hardware store ;)

[@kalyanichandra.8622]

@@TheTurtleGirl Thank you!

[@bubblesthefish]

Do you recommend a axolotl also do they need special water or can I just get water from the sink, dechlorinate it and bam?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

You can use dechlorinated tap. I'd say that as long as you keep the water clean and keep them temps down, they're not super duper difficult.

[@44528oXI]

When should I turn turn the light on and off? I heard you talking about how you don’t keep it on all the time because it effects axolotls eyes and I’ve been thinking about possibly trying to get an axolotl but i’m not sure when I should have the light on and off since I want to have the tank set up beforehand so that way it will immediately be ready to have the axolotl placed in

[@TheTurtleGirl]

If you do choose to have a light, I'd choose a low powered one (not super bright) and have it on for maybe 8-10 hours. Otherwise, ambient lighting from the room is usually fine :)

[@Slowly98-]

New person in this world and have a question. When you make big changes in the tank like you did do you need to cycle the tank?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Well, cycling is kind of a process that happens naturally, so yes it'll need time for more beneficial bacteria to grow.

[@TheBigG4]

i would recomend to put some floater plants in there

[@TheTurtleGirl]

appreciate the suggestion :)

[@ronaldmcdonald4839]

I was thinking about getting a axolotl but a baby one but I’m to afraid to order and most of the pretty natural colors are wild caught

[@FeiLongFaye]

Actually axolotls are practically never wild caught. All pet axolotls are captive bred because they are so endangered, i think you confused "wild type" (a morph or genetic coloration) with "Wild caught".

[@ronaldmcdonald4839]

Lauren Long oh well I remember watching a KZbin video of this fish KZbinr saying that all natural colorations were wild caught

[@TheTurtleGirl]

+1 to what Lauren said :)

[@ronaldmcdonald4839]

@@TheTurtleGirl ok thanks but I now this is a bit off topic but Should I use a 40 gallon breeder or a 20 gallon long for 2 axolotls?

[@FeiLongFaye]

@@ronaldmcdonald4839 20 gallon (long) tank is minimal space/water volume requirement for a single axolotl, and for every additional axolotl add 10 gallons. Axolotls make more use of floor space than vertical space so since 30 gallon tanks typically have the same floor dimensions as a 20 long, most people jump to 40 breeder. If you have more questions about Axolotl husbandry you should check out the subreddit, pretty much any question you can ask has been answered and you don't have to make an account or join the reddit to see them.

[@tfns2021]

Hi. Nice tank What temperatures are compatible for an axolotl?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Typicall you want it in the mid to low sixties.

[@melvinmoate2272]

YESSSSSS MA’ma

[@skibbitypapp]

Did you have to do a 100% nit. Cycle?

[@Lexamiii]

Hi! What table / shelf do you have your tank on?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

This is a rack from the hardware store :)

[@steakinbacon8593]

So I got a 37g tank from petco for muh b-day a few weeks ago and I want to know if 2 lotl's could live happily in my tank or would I need to get a new tank later for 2 lotl's

[@madelinedarr2472]

I have a 40 gallon breeder tank with 2 axolotls and its great. As long as they have enough floor space to roam and at least 2 hides that should be good!

[@TheTurtleGirl]

A 37 could definitely work!

[@tejaskutal2922]

I have a baby turtle who won't eat any turtle pellets or vegetable he only eat bloodworms and he is heathy he don't have any kind of stress so what should i do to encourage him to eat pellets

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Depends on how long you've had him! Have you watched this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ambKe2BqqLGrpa8

[@jasperharris5638]

I thought you wornt suppose to do sand or rock subs for lotls? Not judging just asking? I have 2 and wanna do a better substrate but, everyone says NO sand of rocks etc etc

[@tejaskutal2922]

yesterday i have installed a UVB bulb that heat so quickly. can uvb bulb break because of to much of heat

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Not usually...they should be built to resist the high temperature they put out.

[@michaelzelaya873]

What kind of water do you use for the tank is it filtered or tap

[@j.judevlgs]

Hello! It is safe completely for using tap water, but it’s the conditioner that makes the difference in the water, I recommend sechelm prime😊

[@monkeyhugs2434]

I think I have an idea for you pink axolotl. I didn't know that they're sensitive to the bright light, how about trying the purple or blue "night time" light bulb for him during the day. That way it won't be so bright but you can still see him in the tank during the day with one of those lights. What do you think? Do you think that would work?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

I actually just no longer use a light and the light he gets is just ambient from the room :)

[@jadehill6854]

You probably did it off camera but did you add prime to the water before putting him in it 🙈he looks gorgeous and I love that set up!😍

[@d3m0nic26]

What type of water is this ? Kinda dumb question lol but idk

[@beckywessell7672]

Do you cycle your Axie tanks or is your water levels ok already? Thank you for helping us always!

[@mariahrose5909]

Cycling a tank is always best! But I'm not sure with axolotls cause i own fish so.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Yes, cycling is definitely a good idea. I didn't mention it in the video, but I actually saved some of the water from the original tank. Plus paired with the old decorations and the same sponge filter, I tried to keep as much of the original beneficial bacteria as possible. I'm continuing to test the water and make sure there are no major spikes.

[@efetanyildiz]

Hello! I'm planning on getting an Axolotl and I have the following. a DopFin CF300 as filtration and the tank is 15 Gallons (55Lt). Normal aquatic stuff but this will be my first ever axolotl so is there anything special I should worry about and I haven't understood their eating habbits

[@TheTurtleGirl]

Most important thing is to keep them cool! Best of luck with your new axo!

[@efetanyildiz]

@@TheTurtleGirl wow thanks for the reply. I am using your channel as a guide which is amazing!

[@Thatseikokin]

What water should i use brackish , tap or spring water

[@TheTurtleGirl]

definitely not brackish...dechlorinated tap is good. check your water parameters to make sure that they're not too extreme (ph, kh, gh) :)

[@lizzieloveification]

I am not anybody nor do I know anything about these other than the stuff I’ve been researching and I heard from multiple people here on KZbin if their gills curl forward that’s a sign they’re sick or distressed. Idk 🤷‍♀️ just something I picked up along the way I am just trying to help. I could be completely wrong too

[@dracanisobsidian1613]

What an absolute cutie

[@TheTurtleGirl]

=(^-^)=

[@bellasibley]

i have a one year old (ish) male red eared slider who is about 4-5 inches in a 25 gallon tank which ik is small with an out of water basking area.i plan on buying a much bigger tank around christmas should i get a 75 gallon or go bigger so i dont have to re buy a tank.yall pls leave suggestions lol im still very new to this

[@vurtlehurt3266]

Ooh good luck! 🤩

[@TheTurtleGirl]

For a male red eared, I think a 75 would likely be sufficient. Stock tanks are another option if you want big without having to spend a lot of money :)

[@bellasibley]

@@TheTurtleGirl thank u tons

[@kathyblythe2772]

What size sponge filter do you use?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

medium I believe? but I think it depends on the brand

[@kksd222]

So I have a baby axolotl and it’s in a 15 gallon, is that ok????

[@v1p3r.b1t3]

I heard that sand isn’t good to put in because it can trap bacteria, is that true? What’s ideal to use?

[@TheTurtleGirl]

any substrate could trap bacteria. Some bacteria is actually good and necessary to break down waste. So imo, as long as you do water changes and keep the tank clean, you should be fine :)