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What to Buy

CYCLING ITEMS

Water Conditioner

Seachem Prime

Water conditioner removes harmful chlorine and chloramines from tap water. Anytime you put new water in your tank, add enough for the full tank size

NOTE: Not all water conditioners are axolotl-safe!

Bin for "Tubbing"

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Sterilite 20 Qt. Storage Bins

You can use any storage bin around this size, but these are my personal favorite. See instructions for tubbing.

TIP: Buy 2 to make daily 100% water changes easier. Move axolotl from dirty tub to clean tub.

Water Testing Kit

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API Freshwater Master Test Kit

Accurately test your Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and pH levels. This kit is more accurate than test strips!

NOTE: Follow directions exactly to avoid false results.

Ammonia

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Dr. Tim's Aquatics Ammonia

For fishless cycling, you will need to add ammonia to your tank. See cycling instructions for details.

NOTE: For cycling use only. Do not use when axolotl is in tank. Ammonia is toxic and deadly!

BASICS

Tank

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Aqueon 40 Gallon Breeder

This is the perfect size tank! Big enough that your axolotl won't out grow it and with enough space for a second axolotl down the road!

TIP: Don't forget to get a proper stand. Do not put tank on particle board furniture or let it hang off the edges. 

Fan

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Beskar USB Clip On Fan

Axolotls prefer temperatures between 60-65ºF (15-18ºC) but can tolerate up to 68ºF (20ºC). Point this fan across the water's surface to lower temperature.

TIP: You may need to buy a USB to USB extension cord to reach outlet.

FILTERS

Hang On Back

Fluval Aquaclear

Comes with everything you need! Filter foam & bio max provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. Has adjustable flow.

TIP: You must fill back compartments with water when first turning on filter. Pre-filter sponges help prevent sand clogging impeller.

Sponge

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ALEGI Sponge Filter w/Airstone

Two sponge filters that come with airstones, airline tubing, check valves, control valves, and suction cups for tubing. Size Medium for 20-30 gallons and Large for 40 gallons.

TIP: Don't forget to purchase an air pump to run these filters!

WORMS

European Nightcrawlers

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My favorite type of earthworm. Smaller than Canadian nightcrawlers and no bitter coating like red wigglers.

TIP: Grab some coco coir and worm chow too! Make a worm bin...drill air and drain holes into a bin and use coco coir for bedding.

Buckeye Organics Nightcrawlers

Blackworms

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Eastern Aquatics Blackworms

Best for 3-5 month old juveniles who aren't big enough for earthworms yet and malnourished and/or sick axolotls who are being rehabilitated.

TIP: Can live in water so your axolotl can graze all day. Rinse blackworms daily.

PELLETS

Hard Pellets

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Hikari Carnivore Sinking Pellets

Hard pellets that are easy to find in most local pet stores and provide nutrition for lotls who refuse worms.

TIP: make sure to drop these from above the axolotl's head as many will not find them laying on the ground.

Soft Pellets

Invert Aquatics Axolotl Big Bites

Soft pellets with a strong scent to attract your lotl. Sold in both "big bite" size for adults and normal size for juveniles.

TIP: These are common "Rangen" pellets with cute packaging but free shipping with Prime. Can possibly be bought in bulk for cheaper.

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SAND

Heavier Sand

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Estes Stoney River 

This is a fine sand but is slightly larger than other fine sands. I like that it is a bit heavier because it gets kicked up and sucked into the filter less often.

TIP: To prevent impaction, tong feeding is recommended to avoid inhalation of sand.

Lighter Sand

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Caribsea Super Naturals

This is a very fine sand with very little risk of impaction. Rinse well! Also available at Petsmart & Petco.

TIP: Use pre-filter sponge on hang-on-back filter intake to avoid sand getting in filter. Comes with bio-magnetic clarifier to treat cloudiness.

MEDICATIONS

Methylene Blue

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Kordon
Methylene Blue

This over-the-counter antiseptic can be used for cuts and minor infections. Do NOT use if axolotl shows signs of redness or inflammation.

TIP: Do NOT use directly in tank as it will kill the beneficial bacteria in it. Only use while tubbing the axolotl. Product will stain fabrics!

Kanamycin Sulfate

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Seachem Kanaplex

This over-the-counter antibiotic is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections.

TIP: Only use while tubbing the axolotl.

Fill a 5 gallon tub half way with water (add Prime) and dose 1/2 scoop (spoon in cap).

Metronidazole

Seachem Metroplex

This over-the-counter medication treats internal and external infections and is effective against several protozoan and anaerobic bacterial diseases.

TIP: Only use while tubbing the axolotl.

Fill a 5 gallon tub half way with water (add Prime) and dose 1/4 scoop (spoon in cap).

Nitrofurazone

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Koi Pond Rescue Nitrofruazone

This over-the-counter antibiotic is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some protozoans. 

TIP: Only use while tubbing the axolotl.

Fill a 5 gallon tub ALL the way with water (add Prime) and dose 1/6 scoop (spoon provided). After mixing, lower water to desired level.

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