just because some websites say that tank size is ok, doesnt mean it is, evernyone here agress a 24inch by 12 inch tank is too small. some sites say gold fish are ok in bowls, but we all know thats wrong too. maybe do more reseach and find a larger number of websites about axolotl to get better info.
your firebelly newts are wildcaught too,so please dont get more and put them in a tank.
they need hides, sand is the best substrate. feed bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphina and pellets.
crickets arent nessary. putting the food on a small plate of somesort will help the axolotl find its food each night,
some plants are ok,axolotls seem to like plants and decorations. add a few tall thin plants at the back, and maybe some small bushy ones at front. floating plants are a good idea.
the tank temperature should be around 16 or 18 degrees Celsius. too cold and it results in slow moving with slower metabolism, while too higher temperatures cause stress, increased metabolism, and more eating.
the PH should be 6.5 to 8.
no clorine what so ever, they prefer hard water and shallow water, about 6-7 inches deep.
a mature filter is nessary. they are big waste producers and with shallow water, pollution builds up quickley, a good filter, with weak output is needed.
they can regrow limbs if one is damaged, but not a good idea to try to hurt it to see it regrow. it should be housed alone when young, and if a big enough tank is owned, can live with another axolotl when adult. no fish or invertabrates will live happily with the axolotl.