We humans need a heater to save ourselves from the dire cold? But how many of us ever think our little friends in the tank need the same?
A key aspect of successfully owning and breeding aquatic pets like axolotls is to regulate and maintain the temperature of the water they are living in. Living in water with the perfect temperature will not only increase their longevity but also keep them happy, and you will see them happily moving around in your aquarium.
So, how do you maintain the temperature in the aquarium? You may think that an aquarium heater is the perfect solution.
Is this the truth, though?
The immediate answer would be no. But a heater may be required under certain circumstances. Let’s have a closer look at the necessity of a heater in a tank of Axolotls!
What is the Ideal Water Temperature for Axolotls?
Axolotls are cold-blooded amphibians that are very sensitive to temperature changes and light. They prefer colder water temperatures and are at their best in water that is between 16-18 °C (59-64 °F). However, they can tolerate water temperatures a bit below 16 °C but become uncomfortable when the water gets too cold, below 4 °C (40 °F).
Do Axolotls like Warm Water or Cold Water?
Axolotls are cold-blooded amphibians that really love colder water temperatures. They are at their best in cooler water.
These exotic amphibians are very sensitive to temperature changes and light. Therefore, you should avoid putting your tank under direct sunlight.
Can Axolotls survive in Cold Water?
Water temperatures of 16–18 °C (59–64 °F) are ideal for these amphibians. However, they are usually not much bothered when the water temperature drops a bit below 16 °C since they are cold-blooded amphibians.
Despite this, when the water gets too cold, axolotls start to feel uncomfortable.
Can an Axolotl Tank be too cold? How cold is too cold for Axolotls?
The water temperature can occasionally fall below the axolotl’s preference, just like it can for anything that lives in water. Temperatures below 4 °C (40 °F) are beyond their tolerance.
If the temperature falls below the freezing point, the cells of its body begin to crystallize. In such situations, even the slightest movements can damage their internal cells and organs.
Does an Axolotl Tank need a Heater?
If you live in an area that is too cold, then you will be required to install a heater in the aquarium. But then again, as human beings, I imagine you will also need some heating for your room as well. If you bring the room temperature up to the ones mentioned above, then you will not need to install an additional heater in the tank.
Axolotl tanks don’t really need a heater because they like to live in cold water. However, they start to feel uncomfortable in freezing temperatures. In such cases, you will need a heater to bring the temperature up so that your beloved pets feel comfortable again.
How do I know if my Axolotl is too hot? How hot is too hot for Axolotls?
Since axolotls are cold blooded creatures, they are highly vulnerable to higher temperatures. Anything above 24 °C (75 °F) can prove to be fatal for them.
In such temperatures, these cold blooded amphibians will start showing clinical signs, which can include uncontrollable floating, ascites, and a lack of appetite.
Is Room Temperature good enough for Axolotls?
To be honest, this is mostly dependent on your location. Room temperatures are usually good enough if you are living in a location where the temperatures don’t usually exceed 19-20 °C.
However, if you live in a land where the regular temperature is beyond 22 °C, then you have to actually cool the water down for your axolotls to live happily.
How do I keep Axolotl Water Temperature cool?
There are multiple ways in which you can bring down the water temperature of your axolotl tank, such as:
- Throw frozen bottles of water in the tank
- Install an aquarium fan or an aquarium chiller
- Bring in live plants to the aquarium
- Keep the tank in a cool spot of your house
- Bring the room temperature down by turning up the air conditioner.
Throwing Frozen Bottles of Water in the Tank
Well, at first glance, it may not be the most elegant solution. However, it sure is an effective one! These bottles will gradually bring the water temperature down, and your axolotls will not be bothered by a sudden temperature change.
If your local weather is too hot, you can throw multiple bottles of frozen water in the tank.
Installing an Aquarium Fan/Chiller
Both of these devices provide an automatic solution. But, even though chillers do a better job, they are significantly more expensive than an aquarium fan.
An aquarium fan will do just fine in bringing down the water temperature if you’re not looking to spend hundreds of $$$ to cool your aquarium.
Bringing in Live Plants
The presence of living plants in the tank, such as water cabbage and duckweed, helps to keep the temperature down by obstructing some of the light. They are also visually pleasing and add some vibrancy to the tank.
Keeping the Tank in a Cool Corner
You definitely want to keep the aquarium in the coolest place in your house. The tank definitely needs to be away from direct sunlight, which can increase the water’s temperature pretty quickly.
The vicinity of an air conditioner or a ceiling fan is an excellent place to keep the aquarium.
Bringing down the Room Temperature
Lastly, if you live in very hot and humid weather, you might want to turn the AC up to cool the whole room, including the tank, down for yourself.
Wrapping Up
The bottom line is that, unless you live in Antarctica, you don’t really need a heater for your aquarium, as in the colder months you will bring up the room temperature anyway.
I hope that this article has helped you clarify the confusion of requiring a heater for an axolotl. If you’re living in a place where the weather is hot and humid, then you should be worried about bringing the water temperature down instead of increasing it!
