A Guide to “Tubbing” your axolotl

Tubbing an axolotl can be done for several reasons, the first being that your tank is not currently cycled or your tank cycle has crashed. Tubbing is used to treat an axolotl who is either ill or injured or both.

To tub your axolotl, you will need a few things, the first being 2 shoe size 10l plastic tubs which will comfortably house babies and juveniles. For adult axolotls, we recommend a minimum tub size of 32L. A fine net and a bottle of Seachem Prime.

Step 1

Fill one of the tubs with cold tap water about halfway and add 2 to 3 drops of Seachem Prime.

Step 2

Using a fine-mesh net gently remove your axolotl from the tank and place it in the tub with the clean dechlorinated water. The water in the tub should cover your axolotl.

Step 3

The water in the tub will need to be changed daily this is where the second tab comes in handy, fill the second tub up in the same way you did the first again adding prime to dechlorinate the water. Using the net take your axolotl from the original tub and place it into the tub with fresh water. throw away the water in the old tub and refill it ready for tomorrow's water change.

It is important to remember to add the lid to the tub to prevent your axolotl from jumping out. to maintain good oxygen levels we recommend poking a few air holes into the lid. Tubbing is a method that gives you the necessary time needed to monitor your axolotl if ill or injured it also provides them with the clean cold environment needed to aid in recovery.

How long can you safely tub an axolotl for?

There aren’t any right or wrong answers when it comes to how long you can safely use the tubbing method to house your axolotl. However, tubbing can be a stressful process for many axolotls so it is recommended that tubbing is only done for the required amount of time for your axolotl to regain full health or until your tank cycle is ready. Also bear in mind that if you want to tub your axolotl in the long term you are going to require tubs over 100 l. These make daily water changes a real challenge.

If there's anything that you are unsure of or have any questions relating to the above or axolotl care in general please do not hesitate to contact us at southwestaxolotls@yahoo.com.