Whether your filter broke or haven’t had the time to buy one yet, you probably want to know how long an axolotl can go without a filter. This article will answer that question, and also explain how you can keep your axolotl healthy without a filter.
How long can an axolotl go without a filter?
An axolotl can definitely survive a couple days without a filter. However, not having a filter for an extended period of time can cause an ammonia build up.
Ammonia is created in your tank when your axolotl releases waste. The breakdown of their waste creates ammonia. If you don’t have a filter, the ammonia can spread rapidly in your tank.
An ammonia build up can eventually cause your axolotl to die. In extreme cases, an axolotl could die in as little as a week without a filter. It can also cause a cloudy axolotl tank.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to help extend your axolotl’s life if you don’t have a filter.
What to do if you don’t have a filter for your axolotl tank?
The best way to keep an axolotl healthy without a filter is regular water changes, live plants, spot cleaning, and maintaining the proper temperature.
Regular water changes
The best way to keep your axolotl healthy without a filter is to perform regular water changes. I suggest that you perform around 50% water changes at least every other day. While this seems like a lot of work, it can go a long way towards keeping your axolotl healthy.
The water change will help remove any excess waste in your tank before it can be converted to ammonia.
When you perform your water change, make sure you add conditioner to your water if you are using tap water.
Live plants
Aside from their looks, live plants can go a long way in keeping your axolotl healthy without a filter. Plants help absorb the ammonia in your water before it can harm your axolotl. Additionally, plants also release oxygen into your water to help your axolotl breathe.
Temperature
It is very important that you keep your axolotl tank water in the range of 60 to 65 degrees fahrenheight. Keep in mind that this is lower than room temperature, so you will need to find a way to keep your water cool.
If the water gets too warm, it will stress out your axolotl and can eventually lead to death.
Keeping the water temperature low will also help prevent the build up of ammonia, as ammonia tends to spread faster in warmer temperatures.
Spot cleaning
Another very important thing you should do to keep your axolotl healthy without a filter is to regularly spot clean their tank. I recommend doing a quick spot clean everyday or every other day. This could be removing their waste, uneaten food, or plant waste. It is very important to remove these items before they start to break down and release ammonia.
You can help prevent the build up of waste by not overfeeding your axolotl. This will help prevent excess food from piling up in the tank, and it will also reduce the amount of waste that your axolotl produces.
Large tank
If you haven’t chosen a tank yet, you should know that bigger is better. Bigger tanks are able to dilute waste much better than smaller tanks. An axolotl in a bigger tank without a filter will survive much longer than if they are in a smaller tank without a filter.
Do axolotl’s need a filter?
While there are ways to keep your axolotl tank clean without a filter, I still suggest that you invest in one.
Not only will it keep your tank clean, but it will also save you a lot of time that you would have spent doing water changes and spot cleaning.
A filter will also help prevent your axolotl from getting stressed or depressed. Even if your axolotl can survive without a filter, their quality of life will most likely be low.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped explain the impact of not having a filter in your axolotl tank. An axolotl can certainly survive a couple days without a filter, but it is best to get one as soon as possible. If you can’t get a filter right away, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your tank clean and your axolotl healthy.