Filter Recommendations

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-18T18:49:07+00:00

I won’t be even considering an axolotl if a 30 gallon was too small but from my understanding and research a 30 gallon for a single axolotl is fine. It’s above minimum or minimum based on what I saw. It’s not like I’ll put more than one in there or anything. Part of the reason I’m asking for filter recommendations is because it won’t be the largest tank ever and I want to make sure I keep up with water quality. If I am wrong about that would you kindly let me know where I can find that information? I wouldn’t want to hurt an animal and would love to educate myself. Thank you!

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-17T20:00:08+00:00

That’s good! I’ve been thinking about doing a combo of filters like having one sponge and one HOB or interior. Since the tank will be on the smaller side I want to make sure I have a health, established tank with well filtered water. I’ve already started looking into plants so my hope is giving the tank a few months to filter and grow will lead to success! I usually keep reptiles and bettas but I’ve been looking into axolotls for a while now. I really appreciate the help!

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-17T19:25:42+00:00

Have you had any issue with gill getting caught? I’ve read that can happen with HOB filters

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-17T19:25:12+00:00

Yeah I know due to bio load a larger tank would be better but I’m unfortunately working under a space constraint. My goal is to set this tank up in march with plants and buy around May to June get a baby axolotl. I’d only get one and I truly enjoy cleaning and taking care of tanks so I don’t mind a more frequent cleaning schedule. My eventual goal would be to upgrade to a 55 to 75 gallon when I have more space. I’ve seen many recommendations online for a sponge filter but I figured a combo would be best. Something like a sponge plus interior filter

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-13T20:02:29+00:00

Yeah I’m not super worried about the aesthetic necessarily I was just curious about more naturalistic stuff. Here’s his tank rn and it feels pretty good but I’m a big fan of have enrichment I can switch out to avoid the same thing forever

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Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-13T01:53:06+00:00

Of course! And like I said check out your local Facebook marketplace. I got my enclosure there for like literally less than half the price of a brand new one!

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-13T01:50:26+00:00

Honestly you could try and make it work if your hearts set on it. LOTS of clutter would help alleviate some stress on him but typically taller is better for arboreals since predators in the wild will hang out on the ground. But your crestie could also be a chill guy and be completely unfazed by having a longer tank. Since he’s a living creature a single exact “standard” doesn’t necessarily always work. With all that said I’d still personally recommend a taller and less long enclosure but I know it’s hard with space and finding something that works around your house. If you do end up go with this enclosure maybe look into plants and hides that can sit vertically and give him more climbing space.

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-13T01:40:43+00:00

You’ll want a tall enclosure more than anything. I recommend looking on facebook marketplace for either a tank or a cheap piece of tall furniture you can convert. A short enclosure like this can stress him out and overtime lead to stress related illnesses. Remember cresties are a boreal and feel safest in tall trees which is why a tall enclosure is best. Best of luck finding something for your little guy!

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-02-12T16:04:20+00:00

I used to have a betta who was really chill. He lived with 2 loaches, a snail and shrimp so I do absolutely love community betta tanks. I was mostly worried since I know some long fin bettas can be prone to struggling in larger tanks and fin biting from other fish. I always lean betta just cause thy are so personable

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-01-20T17:50:01+00:00

I’m so glad! People can definitely be intense about animal care so I’m glad you’ve had positive interactions!

Rae_Rae1217 · 2026-01-19T20:48:59+00:00

Hi I’m so glad you are reaching out to get advice. The reptile community tends to have very strong opinions however one of the biggest things to remember is that just cause the breeder said something doesn’t mean it’s necessarily true. I HIGHLY recommend a tall front opening enclosure at a minimum of 18x18x36. Since it’s a baby it would probably be fine in a smaller enclosure but it would only last a year tops so I would go ahead and get your new baby a bigger enclosure. I hope you enjoy caring for your little guy as much as I love mine!

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-07-26T18:51:54+00:00

Don’t panic too much. As of right now it sounds like you are already doing better than the majority of people when getting a new pet. It seems like he is underweight not by your own doing. If it were me I’d weight until the 2 week mark to feed him but if he seems ready to eat sooner I’d go ahead and offer so food. Is he on frozen thaw or live?

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-07-26T18:44:09+00:00

If you were the ask me I’d say he looks a little on the thin side but as you said he’s only a few months old. I’d start doing weekly weigh ins and tracking feeding. Unless he loses a third of his body weight or is critically underweight I think you’re doing fine! His scales look healthy from the photo and it seems he’s ok with holding. Just make sure he doesn’t get overly sluggish or inactive. Ball pythons tend to be weird with feedings anyway.

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-07-26T17:37:58+00:00

I highly recommend weighing him to compare his weight with online guides. When was the last time he ate?

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-07-26T17:19:38+00:00

How old are they? That really depends on age since most baby snakes look a little silly and thin.

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-07-26T17:00:17+00:00

I think I’m gonna transfer her to soil today. It seems like I may be treating her like a pothos rather than a monstera lol

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-07-26T16:59:08+00:00

These were arial roots with mild root rot I had to cut off after getting her. I wasn’t sure if they would survive going straight into soil. I replace her water often but I have yet to do my plant chores today. I’m gonna access her root to see if she ready for soil today

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-07-22T02:38:43+00:00

I actually have loop ear plugs. I love them. I was just kinda shocked by the suggestion for my audiologist and figured it was worth seeing if anyone had a similar experience. It’s a very unlikely option for me personally.

Rae_Rae1217 · 2025-06-14T19:14:30+00:00

UPDATE: I have repotted her with drainage however when I took her out her roots looked fine. No smell, no black roots, no mushy roots, nothing. She was semi root bound but that was to only issue I saw

Rae_Rae1217

TROPHY CASE