When I first heard the term “tubbing” as a new axolotl owner, I thought someone meant giving them a bubble bath—okay, not really, but it sounded strange! For people just starting out, this post will give you the lowdown on what tubbing means, why you might want to do it, and how to do it the right way.
The good news is, it’s a pretty straightforward topic, and once you break it down, it all makes sense without needing too much explanation. I’ll try to share everything I know from my own experience, including some key takeaways that can really help.
So let’s explore the basics of setting up a tub for your axolotl and making sure they stay safe and comfortable.
How to Tub An Axolotl
Tubbing your axolotl can be a safe and helpful method, whether you’re dealing with tank maintenance, health issues, or just need a temporary home. It’s important to use the right materials and follow proper care steps to keep your axolotl stress-free and healthy. From choosing a plastic container to monitoring ammonia levels, everything matters when it comes to creating a safe, clean, and comfortable space for your axolotl.
Materials Needed
- Plastic container (food-grade)
- Lid (to prevent jumping)
- Turkey baster
- Ammonia test kit
- Hide (Optional)
- Real or fake plants (Optional)
Step 1: Choose the Right Container
Pick a food-grade plastic container that’s big enough for your axolotl to stretch and move comfortably. The housing container should be safe, non-toxic, and easy to clean. Avoid using rough or sharp materials.
Step 2: Prepare the Water
Fill the tub with cold, dechlorinated water. Use a conditioner like Prime to remove heavy metals and neutralize ammonia and nitrite. Add 2–3 drops per gallon as directed.
Step 3: Transfer Your Axolotl
Use a net (not your bare hands) to gently place your axolotl in the tub. These wiggly little guys can be hard to hold and might get stressed or injured, so be extra careful.
Step 4: Make the Tub Comfortable
You can make the tub more homey by adding a hide and plants (real or fake). This helps reduce stress and gives your axolotl a place to rest.
Step 5: Feeding and Maintenance
Follow a lighter feeding schedule — usually every other day or every 3 days, depending on size. Never overfeed, as it can pollute the water.
Spot clean any poop using a turkey baster, and change the water 100% at least every other day. In some cases, especially if treating health issues, change it twice daily and keep an eye on ammonia readings.
Step 6: Optional Additions for Health
If your axolotl is sick or healing, you may add Indian Almond Leaf extract to the water. It’s believed to support better water conditions and reduce stress.
When Should You Tub Your Axolotl?
Sometimes tubbing your axolotl becomes necessary, especially when your aquarium is not in good condition. If the tank is fully-cycled, that’s ideal—but if it’s contaminated, dirty, or just not suitable to house your pet, then tubbing is the safest choice.
Axolotls can be safely tubbed for several months as long as you follow the instructions we’ve listed below. I’ve had to do this myself when a tank wasn’t ready, and it really helped keep my axolotl stress-free during that time.
What is Tubbing for Axolotls?
Tubbing is a common term that refers to placing your axolotl into a plastic tub filled with conditioned water. It’s usually a temporary setup used for raising babies, setting up a hospital space, or to temporarily house them during cycling.
Some people even use it as a long-term solution, and I’ve seen it work well when the container is large enough to keep the axolotl comfortable and stress-free.
What do I Use for a Tub?
When I started tubbing my axolotl, I found that a clean plastic container worked best—something shoebox size or slightly larger depending on how big your axolotl is. Some people go for Tupperware or storage totes, but keep in mind that it should be big enough for your axolotl to turn around comfortably.
The goal is to make water changes easier, so you can just lift the tub and dump it out without much trouble. A 15-gallon tote filled with water can be hard to move, so most folks stick with smaller sizes. These are popular as a temporary tank until your aquarium is ready.
Any kind of plastic tub will usually do, but it’s a big deal to choose one that’s food grade to keep things safe.
I always avoid tubs that have held chemicals, even once. Leaching can happen, especially when the temperature is warmer, which is why I never use a heater in plastic tubs—plus, axolotls and even hatchlings don’t need one.
If the tub has a chemical smell, like perfume, fragrance, or cleaners, that’s a clear warning. My rule is: if it smells, it’s not safe. It should smell like nothing at all. New tubs sometimes carry a manufacturing scent, so I wait a bit and rinse it well with soapy water—just make sure it’s a non-chemical kind like castile soap to avoid any contamination for your live aquatic animal.
How is the Tub Maintained?
Since tubs are usually not filtered, ammonia starts building up within just a few hours or days, especially at room temperature. From my experience, the general rule is that axolotls under 3″ need a 100% water change in the morning and night to stay safe and free from harmful buildup.
Even breathing and urinating from the animal itself causes ammonia to creep up. Larger axolotls create more waste, so even with 2x daily changes, the levels can reach unacceptable points.
When tubbing in a shoebox container, a good recommendation is to add fridging, which helps slow accumulation. It may sound like a lot, but the time it takes is usually around 10 minutes per day, which most people can manage.
To clean the tub, the axie should be carefully removed and placed into a bucket or a second tub. Then, just dump out the old water and refill it with cool, dechlorinated water. Add any treatments if necessary, and once ready, the axolotl can be returned.
One helpful caveat—always test your tap water first, because in some cases, it may already contain ammonia. If that’s true, a conditioner should be used to neutralize it. This extra step keeps your tubbing setup in good shape and form for your axolotl’s health.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Tubbing
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Tubbing helps keep your axolotl safe during an aquarium emergency, like leaks, being uncycled, or contaminated water. | It can remove your axolotl from its normal, comfortable environment, making it feel scared or even depressed. |
| It’s useful for quarantine if your axolotl is sick, letting you confine it and administer needed treatments. | Some tubbed axolotls may lose their appetite, though it usually returns when moved back to the main tank. |
| Tubs are small, portable, and lighter weight, easy to move and do large water changes quickly. | Ammonia can accumulate rapidly, especially in small tubs, sometimes making the situation worse than the original problem. |
| They’re space-saving, can be placed anywhere, even on table surfaces, and are great in limited situations. | Increased maintenance is often needed compared to an established filter, which can be a big drawback for some owners. |
| In certain cases, tubbing is truly invaluable, though it’s not a cure-all or something to be relied on in every case. | You must weigh the pros and cons to make the best decision based on your axolotl’s needs. |
Conclusion
Tubbing your axolotl is a simple and safe process that really helps support their health when they’re not quite ready for their larger habitat. While it’s not a long-term solution for keeping them, it’s one of the best ways to ensure they’re being housed in a suitable environment with enough space to feel secure.
I’ve found this method useful when my own axie needed a break from the main tank, giving them a chance to roam less and recover more. I hope this post has helped you understand how it’s accomplished, and that this tip makes caring for your little buddy easier. Thanks for reading – it’s always great to share what works.
FAQs
Can I put my axolotl in tap water?
Yes, you can use tap water for your axolotl, but it needs to be treated first because it contains chlorine and chloramine, which are harmful to them. These chemicals can be removed by either allowing the water to sit for 24 hours or using a de-chlorinator product that’s easily available at most pet stores.
How long can you keep an axolotl in a tub?
You can keep your axolotl in a tub for several months as long as all their needs are properly met, but it should only be a temporary measure. I usually resort to this in response to sudden changes in health or when their main habitat isn’t safe. It’s very important to avoid purchasing a new axie if you don’t yet have a fully cycled tank, since that stable environment is key for long-term care.
How long can an axolotl stay in a tea bath?
When I give my axolotl a bath using black tea, I always mix 1 cup of it into 2 gallons of clean water. This can be done up to a maximum of 3 times a day, but never for longer than 15 minutes each time, or it could stress them out.
