Bringing Home Your Axolotl: Introducing to a New Tank

You’re ready to bring your axolotl home. You’ve done your research and you’ve got this — but you’re understandably a little anxious about seeing your new arrival settle into its tank without stress. Here’s how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Settling In

Before you start, turn off your tank’s lights — this helps reduce stress, especially if your axolotl has travelled a long distance. You can turn them back on after about 24 hours.

Let your axolotl adjust to the temperature of its new home first: float the sealed bag or container it arrived in in the tank for about 20 minutes, then gently release it into its new environment.

Don’t be alarmed if your axolotl acts a little unusual at first — this is completely normal. Most axolotls will head straight for cover the moment they’re released. Once it settles in a bit more, it will start exploring every corner of the tank. High activity is typical whenever an axolotl is placed in a new home, or even just after its existing tank has been redecorated. It may also skip its first couple of feedings. None of this is cause for concern — most axolotls settle in and start behaving normally within the first few days.