AXOLOTLS! (All Beginner Questions Answered!) Tank setup, Feeding, Tankmates and more.

[@andreacasoli3371]

I really don't plan to have Axolotls in my aquariums but a Matt's video is a Matt's video and i gotta watch it, no matter what he talks about

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahahaha thank you!

[@andreacasoli3371]

@@FishShopMatt your're welcome, I cannot wait to see your scape for the Geos

[@yorkshiremanjim]

I agree... Really nice to watch whatever the subject...

[@richiep430]

Can everyone make sure they like Matts videos.Such great, varied and informative content and the growth of his channel will benefit us all. Cheers.

[@lancelangley8662]

Great comment 👍 the more content from Matt the better 😁

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so so much, this is a wonderful comment! 💜💜💜

[@falcolf]

@@lancelangley8662agreed!!!❤

[@owenthegreat2640]

Matt is my go to for information, and MD is my go to for design.

[@redacted3610]

& MJ for algae control

[@Thedude8450]

oi no joke ay!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! 💜

[@marija71ful]

I think you should become public speaker or colledge profesor cause i really enjoy listening to you and asume I am not the only one. Great job Matt! Cant wait for next one!

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha it's easy talking to a camera not sure about standing in front of people.

[@suffysdave]

Nice to see someone who knows what he is talking about, cheers Matt and thanks for your passion

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!!!

[@rat5437]

i collected some aquatic plants from a swap a week later there were 3 axolotls hatchlings in my tank def the coolest thing that has happened to me since getting into aquariums

[@aronro1291]

Love the idea of a live interaction with viewers on tank advice and comments. It's brilliant. Love the content and the Channel, keep it up.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoy it! We should be able to get it launched over the next week or two.

[@joannabuchannon9535]

I think you just convinced me to do more research into getting a Axolotl. Watching your channel has enlarged your knowledge and my aquarium budget.

[@mattblack6736]

Ahhh of course you have an epic board game collection!

[@FishShopMatt]

Me and Katie's small collection hahaha

[@robbikebob]

Hero quest! I remember playing that 35+ years ago!!

[@areacode911]

Awesome, I could never keep those too complex for me. But they look so cute. They look like little dragons.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! 😊 Two of them are called Toothless and Meatlug if you get the reference.

[@jodimaree7640]

Thank you Matt for being so generous with your knowledge! I really wanted an axolotl but keeping them cool enough during an Australian summer seemed to be a bit bigger of a challenge than I wanted to take on.

[@sandywalter9728]

I've always wanted them! They're so cool and look like little aliens! ❤❤❤

[@mildredpadilla5734]

I ❤❤❤❤❤❤ your channel. Anytime I need tropical advice you’re the first one I go to. Thank you so much for doing all the homework/foot work for me. 😘I truly appreciate it

[@deb_DC]

Love your videos, Matt! Always wanted to know more about these beautiful creatures and will now seriously consider raising one. Thanks for answering all the questions I had in one succinct video. Well done as always! So glad to see your channel growing btw!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much! I'm glad I got every question answered! 💜

[@babyzdog4324]

Thanks for the guide. One of the few times ive seen a successful fish and axolotl tank is when the fish and tank were cycled for a few months before adding in the axolotls. It was mostly fast schooling nano fish. 10 cardinals, 15 rasboras, stuff like that, i dont know its exactly stocking but apparently they coexisted for years.

[@FishShopMatt]

Oh that's interesting. I'm sure it can be done but so many people do it in too small a tank with too small fish.

[@tkpharuke5943]

Years ago I bought two at a local pet store. They had them tagged as Dinosaur Dogs. I built a dual environment ecosystem for them and my eel. Plants and ground in half of the tank, and water in the other half. By giving them a choice, they both matured into their salamander stage and chose to live mainly on the land portion, but still enjoyed their time in the water portion of the environment. One of them always managed to escape the enclosure, and wander around the house. They are definitely amazing creatures.

[@AquariumMama707]

You did a great pronunciation!! 🇲🇽

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks you, glad I got it vaguely right hahaha.

[@aaronbecker5617]

Saw your "Heroquest" box on your game shelf! Nice!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, I don't get much time to play but played it so much as a kid.

[@KarenCandler-s7p]

Matt is awesome and knowledgable, easy to understand and very clear in his chat.

[@roarthescream]

On point with the Chalco and Xochimilco pronunciations Matt :) thanks for your wisdom!

[@FishShopMatt]

My pleasure!

[@speckledjim_]

That wonderful word that describes the Axolotls permanent state of being a guvenile?....Neoteny. Love the show bud 👏👌

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ChaceYO]

Hugely informative, I have an axolotl here in Australia and the amount of people that think they’re fine without a chiller is mind blowing! I’ll be sharing this with everyone I know that has one!

[@yorkshiremanjim]

It's hard enough in the UK in summer let alone in Australia! I don't have a chiller but it's a lot of work freezing tank water, or putting in frozen bottles and having fans on... I have a WiFi thermometer on the tank at all times to monitor it which helps...

[@ChaceYO]

@@yorkshiremanjim Yep and I am in Western Australia which saw 45 degree days this summer. The people I speak to think it is ok but that don't do any research on the animals they keep. Alot of them do the water bottle method but they are lucky to have their tanks under 20 degrees.

[@yorkshiremanjim]

@@ChaceYO yeah that is way too hot.. I struggled here. There was a couple of times it went over 20 by a little bit, when I couldn't get home for a day. 21 seemed to be ok for short time but I didn't like it. Some say 22 is top but I draw the line at 20. I just can't afford a chiller or I would.

[@JessMcCrossan]

My son has been asking for one. I was on board since I'm an active freshwater aquarist and was looking forward to designing a new tank. Then I found out they need a chiller and that dream was squashed!

[@beneadesmtb]

Also, couple of things I’ll add which being midway through and on water quality. They need ideally a pH of 7.4-7.6 with GH of 7-14 and a KH of 3-8 (drops). I know you’re sponsored by NT labs but there is also Seachem Replenish to raise GH and Seachem Alkaline Buffer and Acid Buffer to raise and lower KH. I used Axosafe at the start but found Seachem Prime is much more cost effective since it requires a much smaller dose. In terms of food they should really be fed Dendrobaena worms (earthworms) as staple food with things like river shrimp and wax worms as treats. Pellets are okay but don’t offer the most nutritional meal for the lotls. Mine have dendrobaena worms as staple food and river shrimp as a treat. Clean water is 100% needed as ammonia and nitrite is toxic to them just like aloe Vera. Nitrates should be kept below 20 as anything higher can cause fungus.

[@frankvermeulen4621]

Very informative. Thank you. 👍

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tinchytarantula]

Great information and video explaining the care etc

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you!

[@Thedude8450]

that was awesome and really in detail...loved it!!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you liked it!

[@markrussell6423]

Solid info! We have an axolotyl and getting GOOD info is hard to find. I think you nailed it with the primary topics. Only thing I think I would add is that axolotyls do not like water flow. It makes filtration into a game of how do I keep the water safe, but how do I keep the flow from creating alot of movement in the water column. Things like spray bars work great, I made a DIY spray bar with pvc pipe and fittings, I keep it aimed pretty close to straight up so it doesn't create an excessive water movement. I am in Australia so I run a chiller with a pump rated at 800 l/h. Great info Matt and it's been a fun trip watching you and your channel grow! Always looking forward to you conent!

[@greenwarrior8971]

Really interesting Matt. . I kept Axolotl for a number of years. Not anymore unfortunately. I loved them ❤

[@FishShopMatt]

They are great fun to watch!

[@JeNn1fEr126]

I'm so glad you made this video, I have been following you and MD for years and really trust you guys! I have made the decision to get one, naturally I came to you for help❤

[@nakikiish]

Would love them. So nervous about making that step. This helped a bit

[@FishShopMatt]

They're not as bad as it seems. It's just making sure you get a few things correct and you'll be fine.

[@gillianscott3562]

Really great video and brilliant information, I’ve had my two girls since they were tiny and 10 years later I do have two very big chunky girls. I adore them and have been lucky that they’ve generally got on together really well but you can see they exist together rather than enjoy cohabitating

[@beneadesmtb]

Watching this as a proud Axo dad myself. Mine have slate tiles and fake plants, couple of hides. Just very simple maintenance.

[@FishShopMatt]

Makes life and cleaning much simpler!

[@aislingmckee2964]

They are that cute, it was nearly an overload at 6am. I really appreciate your channel, its so full of great ideas and interesting information. I am about to set up my old aquarium and I am really excited about having it planted. Thanks

[@SagasInStitches]

Axolotls are some of the most adorable water creatures out there. If there wouldn't be so much hassle with them, I'd want some. But I can barely figure out how to keep my own heat adjusted, it would be a dísaster getting some of these. Maybe some day :D You made a video that was convincing enough for me to actually want.. I'd just be scared of actually killing them :o Good and informative video as always Matt. And I agree with others in the comments, you aught to be a professor!

[@SameShirtDifferentDay]

I love your tank setup. It's beautiful

[@AquaticHomeGarden]

Brilliant I already refer customers to check out your video previously this to this now a full guide available 👏👏👏👏

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for sending people my way!

[@cindystimson3632]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been curious about them ever since you showed the first video about them. Im thinking about getting one for my grandson. He will love it.

[@cherylmartin9994]

Axolotls are such interesting creatures. Learned so much. Thanks again Matt!

[@liamandrewwoyen3454]

Hey Matt! Still waiting for the UK market lighting video 😅😉 can't wait for the fish room videos too, hope it's going well mate!

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha I need to get hold of a couple more lights then it's game on.

[@liamandrewwoyen3454]

@@FishShopMatt Legend 🙌

[@gibbnasta]

Bandu should be higher in your stack of games! Its amazingly fun. My son calls it Crazy People's Jenga😂

[@mousecabbage7293]

Nicely done!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks for watching!

[@ijustshatnered757]

glad to have a matt made guide as im planning out an axolotl tank for my wife

[@KatTheKlown]

Hey matt, I agree with everything in this guide, it is brilliant, but I've personally found that axolotls do better on live dendrobeana worms, I use a shop called willies worms and highly recommend them, sending love 💗

[@KerrybSweet]

My 6yr old wants one for his 7th 🎉 I haven’t go much longer to go and I am dreading 😰 to cleaning up that will need to be done.. you have helped me a lot mate 🙌🏽… I’m still a little nervous on the cleaning but you sold it so he will be happy 😃

[@Lucan04]

Hi! Huge fan of yours here. I love your content, thank you very much. I’m from México by the way, and let me tell you: congratulations on your pronunciation of Xochimilco .

[@DuzzyDobbin]

Hi mate, great content really enjoyed it. By the way the pronunciation of that lake is HO-SHI-MIL-KO seems odd an Aussie teaching a Pom pronunciation but I guess we school you in cricket every few years 😜😂😂 I’m a fish/plant guy but really enjoyed this. Regards Duzzy🇦🇺

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks for the info!

[@katietyndall855]

Hey Matt! Love all your stuff! I have two axolotls. Love them so much. Can you give me a list of all the plants that are In this tank? I am wanting to add some to their tank!

[@SameShirtDifferentDay]

Omg they look like little baby dinosaurs!!! ❤

[@virginiajoyce2]

Also, do you have a video about how to set your tank up? Yours is beautiful and looks like a great habitat for them 🌿

[@Steve_RobbieRaygun]

Great vid Matt, but I had to stop the video as I spotted the HeroQuest on the side there. Crumbs, that brings back some memories of when it first launched.

[@harrycummings6501]

That was a very interesting video Matt, thanks for that!!!

[@madaboutmilitaria3630]

I got a dozen baby axolotls years ago when I knew absolutely nothing about them. When I found out they liked cool water I worried a bit but they survived years in 28 degrees Celsius water in Australian summers. Probably not ideal but they didn’t seem to mind.

[@GarryPatterson-j1d]

Keep up with the great videos. Very enjoyable!

[@SameShirtDifferentDay]

Omg I thought they were solitary creatures!! How cute!!!!

[@thomaspearson8740]

Hi Matt, if possible please could you do a video on changing substrate in a established tank with fish in? I’m wanting to change the gravel in my fluval shaker to sand but want to know the best way to do so? Thanks

[@toddpecker3784]

Great video! How do you manage cleaning?

[@Piscesrex]

*pauses video... magnifies... examines tabletop game collection*

[@brittanywilliams4174]

Great video! I love my axolotl ❤❤

[@jccreations6333]

Awesome video Matt keep up the great work greatings from mexico city you pronounced xochimilco excellent

[@KasieLeow-u9z]

I will be gifted a baby axolotl eventually hopefully. And I have a beautiful 20 gallon long aquarium for it I just need a better filter for it and hides and decorations! And food for it if I get it! I couldn't be happier!

[@Badwilly]

Great video and fantastic information as always Sir I’m waiting to see the apistogramma cacatuoides fish file Keep up the amazing work and wishing you all the success and happiness

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Good information. (Gina)

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you!

[@silviamorales9855]

You pronounced it correctly 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@aronro1291]

Can you stock the tank with feeder fish to give it some top/middle ground movement and for a source of live food? Would it be a healthy choice for a live food source like with turtles?

[@FishShopMatt]

It would still be a risk as the feeder fish could end up damaging the Axolotls unfortunately.

[@Vincent-kx9ze]

Very interesting animal. Fascinating origin story of the domesticated strain in the hobby.

[@bithplease1779]

19:20 Yes! 🙌

[@KG-gg8rl]

Matt what do you recommend for cyanobacteria? I seem to have that blue/green algae on a few leaves.

[@robynisrael1015]

❤❤❤❤❤ Saw you do the set up with your wife. They look amazing!

[@Chloeee.03]

What water chillers do you recommend? I’m a newer axolotl owner myself and don’t want to take any chances with temperature lol. It’s already a bit high, so I’d like to manage it effectively and permanently rather than sticking with the at-home “remedies” I’ve found online

[@seaweednz]

I love axolotls, but absolutely won't be getting any until I can have a set up with a chiller! Not the smartest things, but if you've got a few you can see personalities coming through.

[@victormoctezuma6470]

You pronounced Xochimilco perfectly!!

[@virginiajoyce2]

Do you ever need to worry about them eating the live plants? Great video, thanks!

[@EasyVRider]

Do you think it would be OK to keep cherry shrimp with them? And would cherry shrimp be an ok live food for them?

[@Babyluthi]

Excellent!💙🐟🐠🐡 What are their names?

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahahaha Meatlug, Toothless, Aristotle and Socrates. Named at different times by different people

[@nicolaifr4905]

I can not legaly own a axolotl but I must watch new Matt video

[@emmanuelgalleguillos-cote5427]

How many lumins maximum? Or is it more about scaping well shaded tank?

[@Spacepuffin007]

Curious how long it is taking most people to properly cycle a new tank for Axolotl? Referring to the nitrogen cycle. I'm at about week 5, getting it tested regularly, and just removed 2 of the 3 goldfish I had in there to help the cycle along. Hoping to bring home the Axo in the next couple of weeks.

[@ladybirdforest]

Really interesting! A note about pronunciation I thought you might be interested in. X in mexican Spanish is an 'h' sound. So Oaxaca is pronounced "wahaca". Xochimilco is probably "ho-chimilco" and Axolotl is actually supposed to be pronounced "ash-o-lot"!

[@NATALIAPASCHOALDIVINO]

Hi!! How do you mantain your plants without the substrate. I was really looking foard to have some, but with only sand they died.

[@deborahcollis9814]

I've had an axolot morph into land from. They don't look any different but their set up changes completely

[@rowandavandenheuvel7672]

My axolotl is 14 jears old now i have it for a long time now. But i am tinking to change the set up to make it more fun. Its a little simpel now What plants are the best to put in the aquarium?

[@ArthurMurphy-o5f]

Would they be OK to eat cherry shrimp? I was going to start breeding cherry shrimp in there a few months prior to getting axlotls

[@ArthurMurphy-o5f]

Would they over-eat if there were too many cherry shrimp with them?

[@FPLaddict]

Hi Matt, great video as always. I’m in need of some advice if possible please! I have a 4 foot tank with a musk turtle and a fair few small fish such as danios, neons etc. I currently run a 600IF internal filter and wondered whether you think this is the right filter to be using? Cheers!

[@GabrielArguello-e4r]

I know I’m late but any advice on baby axolotls?

[@kiragwatkin8934]

My axolotl Athena is currently at 26-27cm from nose to tip of tail 😁 she is 5 years old.

[@savannahcatchat]

I am wanting to keep the axolotl with my weather loaches. I figure neither can eat the other. Would they make good tank mates? I have a 260 litre 4 ft long tank I am cycling and have silver sand and hides for everyone.

[@carloskickaball1982]

Would a temp of 19.2 be ok? We’re in the north of England, our tank is in the coolest room, with no direct sun, and it’s staying at 19.2…

[@angelrodrigues488]

What about sucker fish to clean the tank

[@TheRealElmoSkateTeam]

We rescued an axolotl that’s tank was so dark you couldn’t even see into it. Measured him today and he’s 11.5 inches (29cm) we’re hoping he’s not sick but only time will tell once he’s adjusted to being here with us

[@judyallinson1281]

❤

[@gahkak]

Your map at 1:20 is not pointing to mexico haha

[@deborahdoherty3823]

How long do the Axolotls live?

[@Axolotlchester24]

Sachem prime is good water conditioner.

[@hannahhowden8980]

What if you have them that hormone what would they turn into 👀

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

What about mince - like for us humans?

[@yorkshiremanjim]

I have a small wormery in my bathroom in an 11 litres tub.. endless supply of worms that my axie loves, but it's not for everyone..

[@jaratt85]

Okay, now that I've seen it, I HAVE to ask.. What's with you're son's pinky? Was he born that way or was it an accident? Hey Matt, how do you lower the hardness in your water? We're on well water in an agricultural area and it's so insanely hard it's actually off the scale of the tester strips. I'm sure it's not helping my tetras any.

[@davewhystherumgonebarker7417]

Matt matt mat I have been looking at your games your a couple short you need calico and ticket to ride 😊

[@MandyJane123700]

Axolotls are so cool, but there's no way I could guarantee keeping their water temp low enough where I live and in my house. Also, who else thinks of gholas when they see the words "axolotl tank"? lol (I know, it's spelled Axlotl in the books)

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah that is an issue I suffered with for a while too.

[@KG-gg8rl]

LIKE SUBSCRIBE also if you scroll up some phones give the option to play more videos so if you are at home or working pop Matt on autoplay in the background and boost his numbers 😂❤❤