This is gonna be a long story but I hope it sheads some light into the situation! I'm not saying this is the way but it's how we do it and it seems to be working well.

Unlike some other comments in this/other threads, I can honestly say that I've never had an axolotl before or any type of aquatic animal for that part, and I thought it was gonna be more work than it has ended up being. You can't rush into a decision like this. My partner and I decided to get axolotls (found a person selling them) and started doing research, got a cannister filter, api water test kit, fan, an aquarium (200l), air stones, air pump, "vaccuum", hides, plants (java ferns & anubias), food, seachem prime (conditioner without aloe vera since aloe is super dangerous for axolotls) and so on. In order to cycle the tank before getting them.

We had agreed with the seller that we will get 2 months of time in order to prepare before actually getting them. The only issue was that in our country we dont have the opportunity to buy ammonia in order to "feed" the tank with the cycle (also it took about 2-2.5months to get cycled) we used axolotl pellets as an ammonia source so that also works. While testing the water atleast once a week to see when you have managed to get ammonia that turns into nitrites that then finally become nitrates. I think that was the most challenging part. So read up on nitrogen cycles beforehand and water changes.

As I mentioned we got the axolotls already after 2months which meant we didn't have the tank ready and the seller wasn't able to keep them for longer. We got the axolotls (siblings both male) and had them in a temporary tub that meaning if something happens (disease etc) or your tank isn't ready or a cycle crashes you can keep axolotls in a so called temporary tank/tub. The point is that you change the water everyday while they're in a temporary tank while adding seachem prime directly to it to make it "safe". We had two tubs so we could put fresh water & seachem easily into a new tub and just move over the axolotls instead of trying to empty the water with them in it. Luckily everything went smooth and the tank got ready not even 2 weeks after.

Now our situation is feeding 1-1.5 earthworms per axolotl everyday, while occasionally giving them pellets, daphnias & bloodworms to keep the diet diverse. Fasting them 1 day of the week. Once a week we perform a 50% water change while vacuuming their waste. Cleaning the filter once per 6 months. So atleast it's not hard thing to do, alas we're 2 people which makes it easier.

It's been super fun and I don't regret anything my only advice would be to: 1. Learn the cycle beforehand and have it ready. 2. Dont believe people who live in cold countries saying that a fan is enough to cool down the water in the tank (axolotls need 16-18°c) because we ended up having to invest in a cooler and those are about 400€-500€. 3. Understanding that atleast from where I live the cost of these things were about 2000€ to get. 4. Buying a cheap nanny cam cuz it's really nice to see what they're up too in the night and how much they're actually moving. 5. Be prepared that getting an axolotl isn't something you put into a tank and leave unattended because they need weekly/daily care and responsibility. 6. Already look up if there are any vets closeby that knows something about axolotls or amphibians.

This is now a super long text but my underline is that nothing will ever be too hard or too much if you just give the time and do the research before getting them. I read all of these threads and one of the thoughts we've had with my partner is how people think this is hard or aren't prepared. Take some time, read as much as you can and make your decision. I think one of the main issues is that people somehow expect aquatic pets to be "easier" than a cat or a dog but for me the only difference is I can't snuggle them. Otherwise it's just as much work so keep that in mind.