How to Clean a Axolotl Tank – A Step-by-Step Guide

When I first got my axolotl, I didn’t realize how important cleaning the tank would be. At first, I just thought changing the water once in a while was enough, but then I saw how cloudy it got and how my axolotl seemed less active. 

So now, I gently take him out, clean the tank walls, remove old food, and use a gravel vacuum to suck up all the waste at the bottom. I also change about 20-30% of the water every week with clean, treated water. It’s not hard once you get the hang of it, and my axolotl looks way happier now.

How to Clean a Axolotl Tank

Let me share my own experience on how I clean my axolotl tank.

It’s really easy once you get used to it. Just make sure your Axolotl tank setup is done right, and you’ve already learned how to cycle an axolotl tank—that makes cleaning much easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Unplug All Equipment

The first thing I do before cleaning my axolotl’s tank is unplug everything to stay safe—lights, filters, heaters, everything. That way, there’s no risk of getting shocked or damaging the equipment while I clean. This also lets me easily clean your aquarium filter later on without any risks.

Remove Waste and Leftover Food

Next, I grab a small net and carefully scoop out any leftover food or waste from the tank. Doing this every day keeps the water clearer, but especially during big clean-ups, it’s important to get rid of the bigger messes first.

Change 20-30% of the Water with a Siphon

Then, I use a siphon to take out about a third of the old tank water. It helps suck up dirt from the gravel, making sure the water stays nice and clean for my axolotl. Remember, don’t change all the water at once because that can stress your pet.

Gently Clean Tank Walls

After that, I gently scrub the inside walls of the tank using a soft sponge or aquarium scraper. It helps remove algae or slime that sticks to the glass, making sure the tank stays bright and clean. Be gentle, so you don’t scratch the glass.

Rinse Decorations and Filters with Tank Water

I always take out the decorations and filters and rinse them in the old tank water—not tap water—to keep the good bacteria alive. This way, the tank stays healthy, and my axolotl stays happy.

Refill with Dechlorinated Water

Next, I carefully refill the tank with fresh, dechlorinated water. I make sure the new water matches the temperature of the old water, so it doesn’t shock my axolotl. This step is super important for keeping them stress-free.

Recheck Temperature and pH

Finally, I double-check the tank’s temperature and pH levels. Axolotls are sensitive, so I make sure everything is stable before turning the equipment back on. After a quick check, I plug everything back in, and my axolotl is ready to enjoy a clean, comfortable tank again!

Why Cleaning Your Axolotl Tank Really Matters

I remember when I first got my axolotl, I didn’t know how often the tank needed cleaning. A few weeks in, I noticed the water looked murky and my axolotl wasn’t moving much. I thought it was just being lazy, but then I found out that dirty water can cause ammonia spikes, which are super harmful.

 Ammonia builds up from uneaten food and waste, and it can burn their gills and skin. That explained why mine looked so uncomfortable and had lost its appetite.Ever since that happened, I make sure to clean the tank regularly. 

It’s not just about looks—it’s about keeping the water safe so my axolotl can breathe easy and stay active. Poor tank hygiene doesn’t just make the tank smell bad; it stresses your axolotl and can even lead to infections. I’ve learned that clean water means a healthy axolotl, and now I never take that lightly.

How Often Should You Clean the Tank?

At first, I didn’t really know how often to clean the tank, and I kind of just guessed. But after a while, I noticed that if I didn’t scoop out uneaten food and poop every day, the water would start to smell bad.

 So now, I make it a habit to check the tank daily and clean up anything that shouldn’t be there. It only takes a few minutes, and it really helps keep the water clear and fresh.

Each week, I change about 25% of the water, especially after feeding days when things get messier. And once a month, I do a full check—I clean the filter (using tank water so I don’t kill the good bacteria), vacuum the gravel, and wipe down the sides of the tank. 

I’ve learned that the size of your tank and how active your axolotl is can make a difference. Smaller tanks get dirty faster, so they need more attention. But with a good routine, it’s pretty easy to keep things clean and your axolotl happy.

What You’ll Need for Cleaning

When I clean my axolotl’s tank, I use a few tools that really make the job easier. At first, I didn’t know what to get, but now I keep these ready every time I clean:

Gravel Vacuum 

This helps suck up poop and leftover food from the tank floor without removing the gravel. Super useful for weekly cleaning.

Siphon or Hose 

I use this to take out dirty water during water changes. It’s faster and cleaner than using cups or bowls.

Water Conditioner 

Tap water has stuff like chlorine that can hurt your axolotl, so I always add this before pouring in new water.

Soft Sponge or Cloth 

I use this to gently clean the tank walls. It wipes away slime or algae without scratching the glass.

Bucket (only for tank use) 

One clean bucket just for aquarium work helps a lot. I use it to carry dirty water out and clean water in.

Old Toothbrush or Small Brush 

This is great for scrubbing little decorations or spots that get dirty but are hard to reach.

Aquarium-safe Gloves (optional) 

I sometimes wear gloves to avoid touching dirty water directly, especially during deep cleaning.

With these tools, cleaning doesn’t feel like a big task anymore—it’s quick, simple, and keeps my axolotl happy and healthy.

Mistakes to Avoid

I made a few mistakes without even knowing it. One time, I used soap to clean the decorations—bad idea. Soap can leave stuff behind that’s really harmful to axolotls. Now I only rinse things with old tank water. 

Another mistake I made was changing all the water at once. It seemed like a good way to freshen things up, but it actually stressed my axolotl out and messed up the tank’s balance.

I also learned that cleaning too much can be just as bad as not cleaning at all. Overcleaning can remove the good bacteria that help keep the water safe. Now, I just do small daily cleanups and a deep clean once a month. It’s all about balance—keeping things clean without making big changes all at once.

Tips to Keep the Tank Clean Longer

I used to clean my axolotl’s tank way more often until I figured out a few tricks to keep it clean for longer. One big thing that helped was not overfeeding—whatever food my axolotl didn’t eat just sank and made the water messy. Now I give smaller portions and remove leftovers right away. That simple change made a huge difference.

I also added some live plants and hiding spots in the tank. The plants help absorb waste and keep the water healthier, and the hiding spots like caves or decorations help my axolotl feel safe, so it stays calmer and doesn’t stir up the tank too much. Doing these small things means I don’t have to deep clean as often, and my axolotl seems way happier too.