The coolest axolotl tank...

I have wanted to get an axolotl for a while now, but when I learned that you can now get them with the GFP (glow) gene I had to have one. I love science!!

Here was the rub, the only room I could keep him in is my reptile room which is on average 80-83 degrees in the summer. No good for axolotl! So I looked into all the options for cooling the water. They were either really expensive like an aquarium chiller, were beyond my skill level like a DIY chiller, or too much work like putting frozen bottles in the tank.

I had just finished a DIY incubator out of wine cooler and thought...hey...why not put my axolotl in a wine cooler? So that's exactly what I did.

Now this is only 5 1/2 gallons so I will need to upgrade. But for the time being this is perfect. got a cheap cooler of CL, put in a light (and a black light since he glows), a blubble powered filter and off we go.

Bluebell the axolotl is chilling at 55 degrees.

Bonus points to anyone who knows why I named my axolotl 'Bluebell'.

She is very friend, come right up to the surface and eats out of my hand.

One axolotl, two views. It is a trick of the water's surface that makes it look like two.

That's an awesome idea! I cant believe no one else has commented.. Job well done!

Thanks! He's been very happy in his cool world!

That is so cool. Very intuitive to come up with that design!

Sorry *Ingenious* was the word I was looking for =]

This is a good idea. How's it holding up? I have also put off an Axol because of the low temp requirements. It goes against everything I strive for on a daily basis

She is doing great! This system has been running smooth as butter for months. She is growing at a nice controlled pace and is happy eating right from my hand. The water stays clean with the little bubble driven filter and I only change about 25% once a month. There is very little evaporation.

In regards to the name Bluebell. Hmm is it your favorite type of drink, wine..etc?

I thought bluebell might have been because the gills somewhat resemble a Bluebell flower because of the way they hang off.

Bluebell is the name of the glow in the dark rabbit that had the same gene as this gal in the BBC show Sherlock.