There is a lot of information available recommending the minimum size for a ‘standard’ axolotl tank, based around size in gallons. While this kind of makes sense there are so many variables that a single size for all doesn’t really work. Is the axolotl an adult? Will it be by itself? What are the dimensions of the tank?
An adult axolotl can live in a 10 gallon tank, but a shallow 20 gallon tank is best to give maximum space and to help keep down ammonia levels from waste.
Let’s take a look at the various options in more detail so you end up with the very best tank for your axolotl.
How Big Should The Axolotl Tank Be?
The first decision should be based on the actual footprint of the tank.
If you purely go by the gallon measure it’s quite easy to go for a deep cube shape tank for your axolotl. That’s not the best option. Life will be so much easier for you and your axolotl if you purchase a shallower tank which is therefore much longer.
This gives your axolotl so much more room to swim around in, which is only going to improve its quality of life and happiness. A larger footprint is going to allow for so much more in the way of plants and features. More live plants may help with the cycling process absorbing some of the ammonia.
Temperature control is vital for axolotls. With a larger surface area the water is easier to cool down with a fan blowing across the top of the water. This is especially helpful when trying to keep the water at a stable temperature in warmer weather.
When it comes to size in gallons there is a minimum size recommended, but I always go for as large a tank as possible.
| Tank Contents | Min Tank Size | Preferred Size |
| Baby Axolotl | 10 gallons | 10 gallons |
| Adult Axolotl | 10 gallons | 20 gallons + |
| Axolotl Pair | 40 gallons | 50 gallons + |
A baby axolotl or more than one (if they are the same size) can co-exist and grow well in a shallow 10-gallon tank. Once they turn into adults it’s time to move them into their adult axolotl tank. Some suggest that for an adult 10 gallons is ok, but a nice 20-gallon tank is so much better.
Whatever tank you go for make sure you have a lid of some sort. This is because your axolotl may leap out of the water. This can be tragic and not unheard of because if you’re not around it will perish, as there wouldn’t be anyone there to help it back into the tank. So a covering over the top of your tank isn’t really an option.
The ideal lid is open mesh so that temperature control of water is that much easier. Not only that, but live plants will need some natural light source to flourish.
Axolotl Tank Size Guide
Aquarium tank size for your axolotl or axolotls is generally expressed in the unit of gallons. But it’s also important to know the typical dimensions, so you can plan where your tanks can go.
| Tank Volume | L x W x H |
| 10 gallons | 20″ x 10″ x 12″ |
| 20 gallons | 30″ x 12″ x 12″ |
| 30 gallons | 36″ x 18″ x 12″ |
| 40 gallons | 48″ x 12″ x 16″ |
| 55 gallons | 48″ x 13″ x 20″ |
So it’s handy to know that the larger tanks are 4′ long which is about 1.22m. So before buying any axolotls a tank layout decision can be made to ensure there really is the space for your long-term plans. Axolotls need colder water, so the nearer the floor the tank is the better. So plan fitting in the tank size at floor level.
Keeping More Than One Axolotl
You can have more than one axolotl in a tank if they are of the same sex and size. However, how well they get along with each other remains to be seen. Both axolotls will want their own territory and place to hide away when they don’t want company.
A female and a male in the same tank is not a very good idea, as they will breed. You will need a specific setup if you are breeding. Not only that but confining the axolotls together will trigger repeated breeding, which will not help the health of the female. Many suggest limiting breeding to once a year.
If their tank is too small that is going to cause friction and problems. So although a 40-gallon tank is suggested, your axolotls will be so much more relaxed in a larger tank. With double the poop the larger volume of water is going to be easier to manage with its cycling and cleaning routines.
Best Tank For A Baby Axolotl
This can get more complicated depending on whether you are breeding axolotls or homing a young axolotl. As a rule of thumb, if you are breeding then you could use a 20-gallon tank to house dozens, if not hundreds of tiny axolotls.
If you are homing a new young axolotl that is only about 5-7cm long it could initially go in a gallon tank, while cycling a larger 10-gallon tank. The gallon tank is then regularly water changed to keep the ammonia levels down, while the larger tank is naturally building up the required bacteria. Once the cycling is fully in place the young axolotl can be moved to it’s new home.
But the ideal tank size for an adult axolotl is 20+ gallons, so it makes sense to skip the 10-gallon tank and prepare the larger 20+ gallon tank for your axolotl. Being in a larger tank will make no difference to your axolotl and he or she will just grow into it.
That is of course assuming the large tank isn’t already housing an adult axolotl as they may take chunks out of each other. In that case gradually move your axolotl up through tank sizes, so when they meet they are adult axolotls of similar size.
Benefits Of A Larger Axolotl Tank
If you have the space for a large axolotl tank with a big footprint there are several advantages
- The tank doesn’t need to be cleaned as often
- More live plants without congestion can be grown in the tank
- A more varied environment of features and accessories can be created
- Potential for introducing a second axolotl
- Axolotls are inquisitive, so a tank is never too big
- More room for filters including nitrate filtration
For advanced axolotl keepers, the benefits of creating a system where live plants are absorbing good levels of ammonia means that the tank will require less water changing.