Recommended Products for an Axolotl Set Up

Sorry about the audio (fish tanks are loud!) and the shaky camera. I never filmed like this before. A huge thank you to Oak Park Natural Pet & Fish for letting me film this video in their store, and for making sure they had all the product in stock that I needed. They're the real MVPs!
SHOP MY SUGGESTED ITEMS ON AMAZON! - www.amazon.com/shop/stressinabox
Equipment Recommendations/Needs:
Seachem Prime
20 Gallon LONG Fish Tank (30" x 12" x 12")
Tank Lid In Video - Exo Terra Screen Cover for Hinged Door, 20 to 29-Gallon
Other Lid Options - Exo Terra Aquarium & Terrarium Screen Cover, 20 - 29-gal OR Top Fin® Hinged Aquarium Glass Top, 29 inch
Fluval U3 Underwater Filter
Bio-Sponge Filter Kit
Fluval Q.5 Air Pump
OR
Tetra Whisper 20 Air Pump
Aquarium Air Tubing
Air Stone/Bar
Thermometer
DECOR:
Soft Fake Plants
Aquarium Hide - 1 per axolotl
Anything LARGER than an adult axolotl's head
NOT SAFE DECOR:
Anything with rough edges
Anything they can fit in their mouths
Anything with fishing line
SUBSTRATE:
Fine Aquarium Sand / Pool Sand / Play Sand
Slate Rock
Slate Tile
NONE
SAFE ROCKS:
Crystalline Quartz
Jade
Microcrystalline Quartz
Onyx
Petrified Wood
Slate
Basalt
Porphyry
Schist
Commercially available “River Rocks”
Mica
Tapecrete or similar acrylic based concrete products, properly treated and sealed
Obsidian
(At some times crushed coral to help raise pH)
SAFE LIVE PLANTS:
Anubias Nana
Anubias Isabelle
Anubias Barteri
Java Ferns
Java Moss
Water Lettuce
Hornwort
Frogbit
Lilaeopsis
Eleocharis (Hairgrass)
Congensis
Narrow Chain Sword
Amazon Sword
Water Sprite
Salvinia Minima
Brazilian Pennywort
Banana Plants

[@Just.one.paige2024]

Okay I have no interest in axolotls like at all but I've seen your tik toks and now I'm invested!!!!

[@beeoat1223]

i go to oak park everyweek!!

[@anthonyjacobsen7611]

No one cares 🤐

[@KattyKat81]

It would be cool (if you haven’t already) to document a tank set up from start to finish, with the correct parameters and all

[@jamielingenfelter5206]

She has made a video on how to set up a basic axolotl tank go on her page I just watched it

[@Smolbeancreations15]

I'm a pre-vet major and my biology class got me hooked on axolotls and they're one of the biggest reasons I want to specialize in exotics!!!! You have me hooked!!!!

[@trinityhall9779]

This is super helpful! I’m in school to be a teacher and one thing I’ve always wanted in my classroom is an axolotl tank!

[@summerheuer9296]

I have 2 axalotols and this video really helped so now they are going to be lot happier!

[@thehelpfulhobbyist5355]

Thanks for the info. It's good to see more female aquarists sharing much interest in aquariums.

[@appleslice4412]

As someone whos planning on getting an Axolotl this is very helpful thank you

[@mitsuri_tokyo4982]

Thanks for the tips!

[@ThePartiallyGamer]

This is late but these videos have been by far the most useful :)

[@Ysabella_Q17]

Just a reminder about an important details on those little hideaways made with resin like the one your this video, I got one myself and noticed the edges were super sharp even the inside has (stalactites)!!😮 I used some nail files (that's all I had)! So, yeah it's good to feel it all around to sure it won't hurt and damage our Axis.🤗 Thank you for all your helpful video, I'm your new subscriber;)

[@Aspecturr]

Hey Jess! I just wanna say thanks, because you have helped me so much in taking care of my axolotl. Thanks again!

[@TheKayliaKilgore]

Very nice thanks very clean and taken care of I live seeing this

[@debrachristopolis4764]

I have watched several of you videos and they have been very helpful. My kids want an axolotl and I have been doing research into what I need and how to care for them. Thank you!

[@TheCiciforever]

That editing is fire girl

[@liquidsorrow]

Today marks the day that I'm investing into a axolotl this will be my first aquarium and first freshwater

[@pumpkinthebunny582]

I love that shop!🙃

[@MRHUGOVINNY]

Axolotls seem pretty cool. And I must say I think this might be one of the few vids that I’ve seen with no dislikes and also been up for so long! Nice!

[@poppychapman3838]

Thank you for making this video it is so helpful!!

[@Gdhaym8]

Thank you for this video it was very informative!! 🤓😊😊

[@moonrise_078]

i love your glasses so much-

[@NOiRAMVK]

Hey I'm a tiktok fan and I love axolotls

[@toribouse2764]

I literally got an axolotl, and within 5 hours of owning him he jumped out. It was night we were all asleep and found him hiding under a fabric cabinet. I picked him up and chunked him (quickly but delicately placed) him into his tank. HE ACTED LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED, BUT I KNOW HE WAS OUT FOR A LONG TIME!! Freaking........ XD

[@TylerPlut]

Doesn't own axolotl.... Watches anyways ♥️

[@aquasanimals2108]

Omg! I have an axolotl, her name is melaroid. I love love love! This video. And your channel. So much info!

[@Miq.h]

Axolotls are so cute ngl

[@justincase733]

Hey you're from Chicago! I've been here multiple times! Great video.

[@larkin_Pussy]

I've never kept fish by myself before and I'm planning on getting axolotl from a pet shop near where I live because they are kept in a bright tank with no places to hide. Your videos are helping me prepare very much.

[@makaylapierce5496]

You should try and educate some employees, or even better (if by some chance you want to or can) you could work there or something! I plan on working at my local pet shop because I want to be able to educate people from the inside :)

[@larkin_Pussy]

@@makaylapierce5496 during quarantine the axolotl have gone. I hope they have gone to a good home as apose to dying. The animals they keep aren't kept well at all and they continued to get animals in even though they weren't allowed to. I hope the pet shop is closed soon

[@makaylapierce5496]

Felix Egg ah, that doesn’t sound too good. Hopefully they did go to good homes

[@CowboyBeansss]

@@larkin_Pussy you should report them to the police, that's illegal

[@jamiebrown8962]

Hey could you please make a video of hides and best hides and sizes of hides and unsafe hides etc please.. also love your content soo helpful and entertaining keep up the good work

[@chickenwing7276]

I love axolotls their cute I have one his name is Cyrus :3 thank you for all the tips !! Much love , Anthony!

[@NicoleSILAH]

Tysm for this :D

[@pupsparrotsyt3370]

I highly recommend screen lids over plastic lids, when they jump they won’t hurt themselves as bad crashing into a screen lit as they would a plastic one.

[@jujubeeskids]

Your awesome thank you

[@908alanna]

Hey, thanks for this video! I wish I had seen it 2weeks ago while we were preparing. This was super informative and entertaining. I’m going to check out the rest of your vids. I have a couple of quick questions though. How often do axolotls poop? We have a 3 month old and I’ve only had to turkey baste 4 or 5 poops since we got him last weekend. Also, is it weird he/she won’t go in his hide? It’s a ceramic mug. Thanks a bunch!

[@shanthi718]

You're amazing! Thank you for the video! PLEASE continue to post about Axolotls. There is a lot of contradicting information out there and to have someone educated and consistent like you is VERY valuable! Do you have a way for people to contact you directly for future questions and information? I will gladly buy your products and/or Axolotls as I alaready have 2 in a 55 gallon and am thinking about adding a third. What do you think? Some people say they can be in a 15 gallon but others say at least 20 gallons. Are three axolotls safe for a 55 gallon with a 100 gallon low flow canister filter?

[@thesubmarine179]

[@cactusbuds2979]

What would you suggest for a 10-gallon tank chiller for an axolotl? As well as some good hiding spaces for a little pink baby, as well as some fake plants.

[@jordentroyer2406]

Can you do things you recommend to put in a betta fish tank

[@evanescencefan5]

Are sponges (like the animal) ok to have in the tank with the axolotl?

[@amandahauck7063]

Hey you should make a video on what axolotl can eat.

[@CowboyBeansss]

Hello! Is it good to have my mossballs in my tank?

[@briannanelson4438]

I saw your tiktok video and it made me really want a axolotl so I’m researching about them but I don’t know where to buy one.

[@angelluv25]

Hi Jess !!

[@tamarindog]

is it okay only use a bio sponge filter or do you also need the fluval filter?

[@VictoriaBennett-wu4kr]

Is there any specific types of sand that you can't use? We have a bunch of bags of dyed hermit crab sand and weren't sure if it can be used with axolotls.

[@2smooth4you12]

For the testing kit what does everything need to be at?

[@jordanhughbanks4664]

Hi I have a question about rocks. I have some from a former fish tank that are like river rocks. I know you said as long as it is bigger than their head it would be fine but I just wanted to get your opinion. I’m going to get axolotl soon but want to make sure the 20 gallon long tank is as good as it can be for them before I get them. I plan on getting more plants and slate as well but was just wondering about the river rock.

[@toribouse2764]

Also, how often do axolotls get impacted from sand? I was thinking of using giant rocks that are impossible for him to eat. Would that be okay? And he got what I believe is a bacterial infection on his gills. What do I do to treat that? Please help.

[@egs_schroeder3916]

My tank has been over heating lately and I was wondering if you recommend or know anything that could possibly help?

[@Storrmblast]

How do you improve water quality? Doing a test I get it but if they readings are low how do you improve colour recommendations?

[@bugguts442]

sorry, this is an older video- but is top fin water conditioner okay for axies?

[@saturnanddadragons2776]

I got here from tik tok I love your videos!!

[@sunflower_kitten_]

Could you maybe do a setting up your tank tutorial

[@stressinabox]

Really you can set it up however you want as long as you are using these products correctly. If you follow the recommendations in the description, there's really no way to do it wrong. :)

[@giovannivillarreal1770]

Hi I love your stuff in tic tok ima future Axolotls owner and found you after doing research ☺️

[@madduxthompson4970]

how often should one test the water in the tank

[@twinkletoes2308]

do you need the bio sponge filter? or can i just get the filter

[@samvanderslikke7981]

I love axolts I have little baby’s now

[@pukamaroo]

Hi! I'm loving your videos! I actually own an axolotl myself and am a longtime general fishkeeper. I just wanted to add on to your comment about testing strips being inaccurate- the API test strips are pretty inaccurate, but the the Tetra test strips are pretty much just as accurate as the API master test kit! I'm only saying this because the master kit is pretty expensive and really only efficient for those with several aquariums as the liquid used for testing tends to start going bad and becoming inaccurate after about a year. So if the master testing kit isn't being used up at least 60% after a year of purchase, I'd say it's not cost efficient and your better off using the Tetra testing strips which in my experience (and other's I've observed over the years of fishkeeping) give a reading just as accurate at the API master test kit :)

[@stressinabox]

While the API kit is a little price you get over 400 uses out of it. Since you should be testing your water at least 2-3 times a week, it's a good investment since you are only spending $25 once a year, while the strips are $4-$10 and have to restocked several times a year.

[@pukamaroo]

@@stressinabox AH well if water is being tested that often, then I'd agree that the master test kit would be more efficient in that case, especially if several tanks are being tested. I test my tanks about once a week or so, so I'd be wasting most of it. The tetra test strips at my local store cost about $12 for 100 strips which is pretty much perfect for me to use up before they start going bad, and probably overkill for someone who only has 1 or 2 tanks. BUT yeah if you test 3 or more times a week then the test strips would end up costing quite a bit more than the master test kit. I only made that comment for those who might not have several tanks since the tetra test strips are nearly as accurate as the master test kit. First time i bought the master test kit I didn't realize would be going largely to waste until after I started getting very inaccurate readings! 😅 I think it had been like 8 months and then I learned online that the test solutions are pretty much useless around the 1 year mark. I think the kit is mostly meant to be used by those who will be doing lots of water testing within a few months time. I do like how accurate it is, though I've learned that accurate-enough is also good enough for me.

[@willowwestin7618]

We only have teststrips in my country

[@YvngDvggerDvck]

I was under the impression that axolotls don’t want a lot of filtration. Do you still recommend having a sponge filter and a regular filter in a 40gal tank with 2 axolots

[@stressinabox]

They do not like a lot of flow, I believe I talk about that in a set up video I do. Sponge filters are a low low filter and the Fluval one I use is adjustable and I use decor to disrupt the flow to lessen the stress. :)

[@unusedaccount970]

@@stressinabox thank you this is very btw my mom is buying me a axolotl thanks for the help :)

[@katelynrios8270]

Did you cycle the tank for ur axoltl?

[@brittanyl507]

Need more info on filters.

[@stormybee6391]

Serious question, where i live durning extremely bad storms can the axolotl go without a pump for like 3 to 5 days?

[@Living.Fossils]

Hm, im honestly not sure, i know they can go a day without it but not sure about 5. There are plenty of fish that can do that though! Also, you can simply get something to charge the pump with.

[@ko7aka]

You will have to do daily water changes if ure going no filter. Somthing like 25% of the water on a daily basis. Try to keep it 60-67 F and test it using the master kit she showed

[@raylive3918]

So what to buy your baby axolotl we have to pass a test right? For to be like a good owner

[@nomangreybeard535]

Can the water get too cold?

[@abigailstebbins9366]

Postttt more please

[@sydneydavis9601]

Is the 20 gallon long suitable only while they’re a certain size? Like as they grow do you need to size up?

[@stressinabox]

A 20 gallon long is big enough for 1 adult.

[@TheDreababy1]

What do you recommend for type of stand to hold 2 20 gallon long tanks together?

[@veronicabray5]

20 gal for one, any additional add 10 gal to it

[@adambuxton6644]

Will 10 gallon tank work I have a tank right now with fish once they die I thought I get one so that’s why thought ask u so I have fliter and air pump and heater and I do just plain bottom

[@coleyplayz5721]

whats thhat store called ?( to see if there are any locations by me )

[@kaelynnnbullington7794]

I have an axolotl am I able to put another in the tank with him? He is probably about 6 months old

[@crystalm4324]

What about a chiller? Or do you have A/C? - what if you don’t?

[@nim_isnothere]

My family is planning on getting an axolotl and the pet store we’re getting it from suggests a place above to water for them to climb on. Is that right?

[@Fumango]

They are fully aquatic. Maybe they are selling you tiger salamanders larvae?

[@hethey66]

So do I use the prime thing before or after cycling the water?

[@LarissasExotics]

im extremely late but u add prime water conditioner before cycling

[@joshpurdy1215]

Bought one of those metal lids that you got in the video and it’s rusting on me, just wondering what you did about that?

[@stressinabox]

I never had that issue. 😅

[@ashleymassa6339]

can i use a 29 gallon tank that i used to have an hamster in for an axolotl please respond asap cause im looking into getting one and i dont know if i can use this tank for them thx luv you btw

[@am4d3u54]

Is it a 29 gallon long or a 29 gallon high? A long would be more than perfect!

[@araiyajeffers9997]

What do they eat?

[@MicahsMommi]

What do you recommend if you can't keep your house at 65 degrees, to keep the tank that cold? My house sits at about 71

[@stressinabox]

MicahsMommi A fan aimed at the water surface may be enough. But they do make chillers as well.

[@sabrinamorris4988]

I’ve heard to put a bottle of frozen water in the tank. Is that acceptable or a big no no?

[@popemse2839]

@@sabrinamorris4988 better just to get a chiller. requires less effort

[@karleyrayne17]

@@sabrinamorris4988 I do that

[@Mitchell_Dear]

I have a question tho. Personally I like hang on filters (AquaClear Series 20) for a 20 gallon long tank, do I need a air pump? Or does already put air in the water? Plz tell me🥺

[@ARCHIVED9610]

I’d recommend getting a good air pump as axolotls need oxygen due to breathing through their gills. also if you want, add plants like Java moss

[@Shartylilharty]

I’m getting a 4 month old Axolotl I know this is an old video but if I don’t fill the tank up the whole way do I still need a lif

[@Shartylilharty]

Lid*

[@siri4743]

I going to get a 5 Month old axolotl would he be considered a juvenile and what do you recommend feeding them at this stage?

[@stressinabox]

Depending on the size they are a juvenile or a sub-adult. Most likely able to go on cut up earth worms at this point.

[@carniecandy813]

Hey I'm trying to show my hubby what axolotls are so would you br interested in doing an introduction to axolotls pleeease we are talking about getting a wall tank and I wanna put at least one in eventually

[@emeraldeyer523]

Jess, would it be beneficial to set a tank up and make sure parameters are good and able to be maintained before even buying an Axolotl? Such as having the tank up and running for a couple weeks then getting the animal.

[@stressinabox]

Honestly... That's what everyone should be doing! Haha

[@emeraldeyer523]

@@stressinabox Oh!! Super glad to know I was gonna start out strong then! Im moving soon but after I get settled I was going to get a tank set up!

[@ohn0oo]

is lava rock safe??

[@maddisonwillett6271]

Can you do a video with a full tutorial on how to breed Axolotls

[@stressinabox]

Maddie.xo103 No. I will not be doing that because it is not an easy task and many people practice inbreeding and I will not be responsible for aiding in irresponsible breeding of axolotls.

[@flairmiddable]

@@stressinabox ima do it rn ima buy a male.one from. A breeder and ima keep all the eggs

[@jenc9532]

Would you suggest the in tank filter AND the sponge or would the sponge be ok for one in a 20 gallon and can you put reptile hides in the tank for the axolottle?

[@stressinabox]

Reptile hides can leach paint and chemicals into the water if you don't seal them properly. So I'd suggest shying away from those. You can use just a sponge filter for sure. Just make sure to keep up on tank cleanings.

[@jenc9532]

stressinabox what percent water change would you suggest per week? 50% or more?

[@stressinabox]

@@jenc9532 20%-25% is what I do.

[@jenc9532]

stressinabox thanks it’s probably gonna be a long time before I think I’m ready for one but I definitely like to learn

[@defect213]

Heyyyy, I've got a 40 gallon tank that I was planning to get an axolotl in. I know that's an amazing size for just one, but would that be good for 2? I wanna be certain certain, so it doesn't cause any issues and so I'd be certain to either get either 1 or 2

[@stressinabox]

You could definitely go for 2!

[@ti1ted]

hiii i’m a tik tok fan and i came to your channel so i could know what i would need to care for an axolotl, but do you know about how much all of this would cost ? the video was made a while ago so i doubt you will respond but it’s worth the try.

[@Anonymous-iu4qs]

I can't seem to find a good tank that is shipped and is not aqueon

[@emilyrunk5330]

Do I have to cycle a brand new tank or can I just use seachem?? There’s a lot of contradicting info on this and Facebook groups have me believing my axolotl will die immediately if the tank isn’t cycled for 8 months

[@stressinabox]

Every tank needs to be cycled. This can take anywhere from a couple weeks to months. I actually have a video about cycling if you check out my channel.

[@tinanielsen7410]

Can axolotls breath out side of water??

[@stressinabox]

They have a pretty crappy set of lung, so not they can't breathe very well. Try to keep them in the water as much as possible. Treat them like a fish, 100% aquatic.

[@thebeehive9735]

Do I need a heater?

[@stressinabox]

Axolotls like their water temp in the mid 60s. So a heater is unneeded. Depending on where you live, you may need a chiller.

[@xzavyorr7666]

Can you make more videos please

[@julius266]

Can you keep axolotl above the water?

[@popemse2839]

they need to be in water they're not like turtles.

[@popemse2839]

They breathe through their gills, so definitely not

[@paigetaylorr5470]

I have small rocks in my axolotl tank is that ok?

[@bluji3506]

xX Minty Xx from my research any rock that can fit in their mouths are a choking hazard,she has said in her other videos that a good substrate is fine sand/grain or slate platform things or otherwise you can just have a bare bottom tank

[@paigetaylorr5470]

Https._.sunflower thank you

[@mastercrafterarh4816]

Hello from tictok

[@ItsWickyy]

I’m planning to get one of these fish but I can not get the master kit it’s too much for my budget 😭

[@stressinabox]

wicky The master is the best product to use

[@ItsWickyy]

stressinabox I have another question I’m trying get the fish but I don’t know we’re to get one you have any place to recommend

[@popemse2839]

axolotls aren't fish

[@flairmiddable]

@@ItsWickyy go to her website she sells them i forgot it go to her tik tok she mentions it somewhere there

[@eliaspratt8690]

Wait why is your newest video 4 months old but on tik tok you post like every day

[@stressinabox]

Create With Yma Because KZbin takes a lot of effort to film and edit which I haven’t had a lot of time to do until recently.

[@Skullandcactusvr]

iv got a pet axolotl

[@Y0_gabba_gabba]

Can axelotls go on land and walk

[@stefanieosborne28]

Definitely never walk on land. They live 100% of life in water

[@Y0_gabba_gabba]

Thx

[@Gekko-zm9id]

This video was sponsored by fluval

[@stressinabox]

Dedede The Great I wish 😂