Axolotls are carnivores and thrive on a diet of live, protein-rich food. The best option for UK keepers is live Dendrobaena worms — high in protein, soft-bodied for easy digestion, and the closest thing to what an axolotl would hunt in the wild. For a convenient alternative or supplement, NT Labs Pro-F Axolotl Pellets are a specialist formulation available in junior and adult sizes, making them suitable for axolotls at every life stage. A combination of live worms and quality pellets gives your axolotl the best of both worlds.

Yes, always. UK tap water contains chlorine and chloramine, both of which damage axolotl gills over time. Every drop of tap water that goes into your tank — whether for setup or water changes — needs to be treated with a dechlorinator first. It takes seconds and is one of the most important habits you can build as an axolotl keeper.

You need to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH regularly. Ammonia and nitrite should always read zero in a properly cycled tank. Nitrate should stay below 20ppm with regular water changes. The ideal pH for axolotls is 7.0 to 7.8. A liquid test kit is far more accurate than test strips and is what most experienced keepers rely on. Testing weekly in the beginning after you have cycled your tank— and immediately if your axolotl seems off — is the single best way to catch problems early.

An axolotl bath is a short soak in a medicated solution used to treat skin infections, fungal growth, or bacterial issues — most commonly the white fluffy fungus that can appear on gills or body. Done in a separate cool container for 10 to 15 minutes, it is a gentle and effective first response to common axolotl health problems before escalating to a vet visit.

The essentials are: a tank of at least 90 litres for one adult, a gentle filter rated at twice th esize as your tank, a water test kit, a dechlorinator for water changes, and a reliable food source. Live Dendrobaena worms are the gold standard for feeding, and NT Labs Pro-F Axolotl Pellets — available in junior and adult formulas — are an excellent specialist pellet to use alongside them. A worm keeper box and worm chow will keep your live food healthy between feedings and reduce waste. Get your water quality right from day one, and everything else falls into place.