Question: defective tank?

superfin · Nov 2, 2008

Hi everyone

I have built myself a tank and put my axie in it and he looks a bit stressed (it was after 2 weeks i noticed this so it wasn't newbie stress) but then again I might be paranoid so here is a pictures of my tank

and my axie

is there any thing wrong?

chris:wacko:

p.s sorry they are not very good pictures

Jennewt · Nov 2, 2008

Two weeks is just enough time to be in the worst part of cycling stress. Have you tested for ammonia?

coichards · Nov 3, 2008

The tank is lighted, that might be an issue. Do you have the flash on in that picture, it looks a little bright.

how old is the Axie, young ones tend to have forward facing gills anyway.

superfin · Nov 3, 2008

The pet shop did not tell me his age but he is quite young I can tell that.The camera does have flash but I will turn the lights off for a while.But I did not think that would be an issue as you can see I have 2 big hiding places.I need to buy a water testing kit when I do I will tell you what the levels are.

thanks!

Chris:wacko:

kira · Nov 3, 2008

Just a question, what's that long orange thing in your tank?

digger · Nov 4, 2008

Is that another creature in there with him in the second picture or is it an ornament?
If another creature than that could be a problem, ideally only axolotls should live with axolotls.

superfin · Nov 4, 2008

OK

Kira I was really hoping someone would ask that

it is a homemade filter bar it is made out of a long rubber balloon with holes in but I am going to replace it for another balloon because I cut the holes to deep

.Frances that is an old child's toy in there ,I have read about tank mates he/she is alone in his/her tank

Chris:wacko:

p.s sorry I don't know the gender of Maxie

gr33neyes · Nov 4, 2008

I'm glad you asked that Frances lol. I was sat here thinking is that a Ray fish? lol

kira · Nov 4, 2008

Hey thats very interesting! Love the filter

coichards · Nov 6, 2008

How is it all going for you now, most of the others have been distracted by your lovely tank. lol. Is the tip of his tail curled, this is another good sign of stress

superfin · Nov 6, 2008

Lol he seams a lot less stressed and his tail has not curled although he is hiding a lot he is not fluttery,his gills are getting better but not healed.I have not been able to find my old water testing kit in my basement so I will try and find one in the shop,any recommendations on a cheap effective brand that tests for ammonia nitrate nitrite (i think its nitrite):happy:

Chris:wacko:

p.s preferably liquid test

hanniebumblebee · Nov 6, 2008

Heya, I have the exact same filter as you in my tank. Although it is an immensely good filter I use it along with a bigger one otherwise my ammonia levels go up. That might be the problem, I do have 2 axies not one so I probably need much more filtration than you do what size is your tank? x

superfin · Nov 12, 2008

I finally found a great liquid test kit here are the results:animal:

ammonia-0.4mg

nitrate-50mg or 25 I couldn't tell

nitrite-0.25mg

is that bad?

chris:wacko:

kira · Nov 13, 2008

It looks like its still cycling.

Jennewt · Nov 13, 2008

It's slightly bad, yes. These levels of ammonia and nitrite would account for the stressed-out-ness of your axolotl. I would recommend doing DAILY partial water changes, about 25%/day, until the ammonia and nitrite are near-zero.

superfin · Nov 15, 2008

Ok thanks jennewt and everyone else:happy: I started the chamges yesterday and will tell you when I have got the ammonia and nitrate down to or near 0

chris:wacko:

Kal El · Nov 15, 2008

G'day Chris,

Just wondering, what is the substrate that you have used for your tank? Coloured sand? Also, is that bogwood or driftwood? Hopefully it's not 'live' wood...

Jay.

superfin · Nov 15, 2008

Hi jay

my substrate is black sand and the cave is made out of plastic:happy:

chris:wacko:

superfin · Nov 18, 2008

His condition is not getting any better and his tail is curled although he still eats and doesn't hide that much.Any advice

chris:wacko:

coichards · Nov 18, 2008

Give him some time to settle in and he should be fine, I hope.

good luck

Question: defective tank?

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