Hello, I am in dire need of help saving two axolotls who have been subject to extended neglect by their previous (current) owner.

Some background: My girlfriends roommate has too much money (trust fund baby) and a bad habit of buying “exotic” animals and then instantly growing bored of them. She has a bearded dragon, a chameleon, these two axolotl (not visible), and just recently, a $2000 purebred cat. For the majority of our relationship I was unable to do anything but sit back and watch, as they are not my pets and I can only encourage her to take better care of them. Recently, however, my girlfriend returned from a trip away to find her roommate completely and unexpectedly moved out, taking all of her pets but these poor beautiful creatures. I have chosen to take this as a sign that she no longer cares about them and me and my girlfriend have taken it upon ourselves to help restore them to a healthy environment.

Requesting: Because we do not know much about axolotls, we are inquiring for not only some good care resources, but advice on how we can clean the tank and give them the life they deserve. The water is absolutely filthy (as pictured) and the floor is lined in their poop. Me and my girlfriend just fed them some worms we found in the fridge (nightcrawlers, I hope these are acceptable) and after confirming that both of them are alive and still somewhat active, need to figure out next steps. Please help! We cannot bear to watch these animals suffer.

NEED HELP WITH ABANDONED AXOLOTLS