The Cost of Owning a Pet Axolotl

I love how axolotls smile. The pink ones are pretty cute. This one's only $80. I want it! It's illegal in some provinces, but sure. Ugh, please no. Let's start with tank setup. Minimum 20 gallons. But if you actually care, up to 40 gallons. Well, how much water does our bathtub hold? Depends who's in it? Uh next, filtration. Sponge, hang-on-back... Easily $100. And, cooling. They need cold water, like 16 degrees-ish. Then there's water care. Test kits, conditioners— What is this? Chemistry? Pretty much. They live in their own toilet water, and that can turn toxic really fast. Cool cool cool. And decor. Cute hideouts, but never gravel. Never-ever. Why? Well, if it eats the rocks, it will go night-night, forever. How about we focus on it thriving? Girl, what do you think this is? What's next? Food. Earthworms could cost around $10 a month. Or I could DIY! Here's the biggest thing: Time. It's 11:11! Make a wish! I want an axolotl. And I want it to be pink. No no no. You need the tank and water working well, at least four weeks before putting them into it. One month? Minimum. Of course it's smiling. Doesn't even know what it takes to keep it alive.