How to clean your axolotl’s aquarium

Cleaning the aquarium is one of the most important tasks to ensure your axolotl’s well-being. A poorly maintained environment can cause stress, illness, and even water poisoning. But be careful: poor cleaning practices can do more harm than good. Here is a complete guide to maintaining your axolotl’s tank safely.

Why is maintenance so important?

The axolotl is highly sensitive to water quality. Unlike some hardier fish, it cannot tolerate pollution spikes or sudden changes in parameters. A poorly maintained aquarium can lead to:

• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Chronic stress, visible through unusual behavior
• Respiratory issues through the gills
• Proliferation of algae or mold

Good maintenance also helps maintain a stable nitrogen cycle, which is essential for a healthy ecosystem.

How often should you clean the aquarium?

There’s no need to do a deep clean every week. Good maintenance is done through small, regular actions:

• Every 2 to 3 days: remove leftover food and visible waste
• Weekly: change 20 to 30 % of the water
• Monthly: siphon the substrate, clean the glass, check the filter
• As needed: adjust based on tank population, size, or algae growth

A simple but regular routine is better than a sudden, occasional deep clean.

What equipment should you use?

Here’s the basic kit for safe and effective maintenance:

• A siphon or gravel vacuum
• A bucket dedicated to the aquarium (not used for anything else)
• An algae scraper or a soft, untreated sponge
• A water conditioner (to remove chlorine and heavy metals from tap water)
• A soft net (to move the animal during major cleaning)

How to change the water without stressing your axolotl

Water changes should be gradual. Replacing 20 to 30 % of the total volume each week is ideal. Here are the steps:

1. Prepare the water in advance, at room temperature, and treat it with a conditioner
2. Siphon out the water to be replaced from the bottom (where waste accumulates)
3. Slowly add the new water without creating strong currents

There’s no need to remove the axolotl for a simple water change. If it becomes agitated, leave it alone—it will hide until you’re done.

Should you clean the substrate?

Yes, regularly. The aquarium floor traps organic waste, food remains, and droppings. A siphon allows you to remove debris from dirty areas without fully draining the tank. If you use fine sand, run the siphon gently to avoid sucking up the substrate.

Avoid gravel or large-grain substrates, as axolotls can accidentally swallow them while feeding, which is dangerous.

How to clean the glass

Algae or lime deposits on the glass can be removed with:

• A soft magnetic scraper
• A dedicated sponge (never with detergent!)

Do not scrape too hard, especially if the tank is made of plexiglass. Never clean the glass with household products, even if rinsed—residues can be deadly.

What about the filter?

The filter is the biological heart of the tank. You should never clean it completely or under tap water. Here’s how to do it:

• Rinse the sponges in a bucket of aquarium water (never under the tap)
• Clean the pipes if the flow decreases
• Never replace all filter media at once (otherwise you lose the nitrogen cycle)

A good filter requires little maintenance if the rest of the tank is well managed.

Can you remove the axolotl during cleaning?

This is not recommended except for major cleaning (tank change, renovation…). The axolotl is fragile and sensitive to stress and temperature changes. If you must move it:

• Use a soft net or a clean plastic container
• Keep it in water from its original tank
• Limit handling time to the bare minimum

Avoid direct contact with your hands unless absolutely necessary (illness, injury, etc.).

Conclusion

Cleaning the aquarium is an essential ritual to maintain a healthy environment for your axolotl. By keeping a regular schedule, using the right equipment, and avoiding abrupt actions, you ensure your aquatic companion has a stable, clean, and safe habitat. Proper maintenance is often the key to a long life in captivity, free from disease and complications.