25/11/2025
*Tubbing your axolotl*
Some reasons to “tub” your axolotl
When you are cycling their tank
When they are smaller and eating more frequently.
When doing deep cleanings in their tank.
Treating fungus, or medicating.
INSTRUCTIONS:
We recommend getting an API test master kit to check your water source parameters before tubbing. We also recommend checking your GH/KH with an extra API test kit. You will want to have one of these kits for cycling and for checking your parameters in your established tank anyways. Test strips are known to not be very accurate and are missing some key things you need to test. You can use dechlorintaed tap water if your parameters are okay. If your PH is higher than 8, you have ammonia in your source, you have well water with a softening system, or nitrite/nitrate in your source, we recommend using spring water for tubbing. Normal water parameters for an axolotl are: PH-7.0-8.0, Ammonia-0, Nitrite-0, Nitrate-0 if coming straight from your tap water, in a cycled aquarium normal Nitrate ranges are 5-20ppm. GH- 7-14, KH- 3-8
Fill up 2 tubs with cool water (60-67 degrees). Ideally at least 16qts or larger.
If you are using a lid for your tub, you must drill lots of air holes in the lid and keep a close eye on temperature.
Add 2 drops per gallon of Seachem prime to the tub you are placing your axolotl in for the day and mix. The other tub is used for tomorrow so that water temps will be the same. Do not add prime to this tub until the next day prior to placing the axolotl in. Prime binds toxic ammonia (axolotl p**p) making the water safe for 24 hours.
Change out the water 100% daily and repeat. Make sure to always use prime with all water changes!
During the 24-hour period remove uneaten food and waste. I find using a turkey baster works best for this. You can always replace their tub earlier than 24 hours if they make a big mess!
If you are having trouble keeping the tub cool, you can use a clip on fan or wrap ice packs around the sides of the tub.
You can add an air stone to the tub for extra oxygen.