I've had an axolotl for 7 years now. Recently I got a new tank for him and was thinking of adding a 3D background, with a small waterfall and maybe even some plants to enhance his tank.

Anyone know if the axolotl will react in someway to the cement or styrofoam in the background? Fish have been fine with the backgrounds, but I've never tried one with an amphibian before.

If you're paranoid about the chemicals, coat the cement with Drylok (or similar). It will eliminate almost all chemicals leeching into the tank. Fill the tank with water for a week or so and drain it every day and you shouldn't have any issues.

I didn't have any issues with my concrete background, although I let it cure for a month, and then soaked it with at least weekly water changes for another month.