Axie with peeling/flaky skin

Plankton has some skin on the top of his head that looks like it is flaking and peeling off. I just noticed this morning while cleaning his tank. Any ideas as to what caused it and what I should do? I don't want it to get worse and I don't want him to be hurting.

Hi Allie,

What are the water parameters of your tank? (Ammonia, nitrates, nitrites)

Sometimes when the water is toxic, pieces of the outer layers of the axolotl's skin will begin to flake off. There also might be some blisters around Planktons mouth if it is very bad. Test for ammonia and nitrate/nitrite and replace water as necessary. Also make sure the pH of the water is neutral (7.0 to 7.4).

Get a drop water testing kit and let us know how it goes.

Best of luck.

I took his water in to be tested. They said that the ammonia and nitrates are a little high. The pH was neutral. They told me to put in an ammonia regulator. I added 3 tsp for my 15 gallon tank about 5 minutes ago. His water was changed earlier today and I got him a better filter. He now was one of those out of the tank waterfall filters. Do you think it was the ammonia that is making him peel?

Yeah. Ammonia is a bad thing. It can make the skin flakey.

Oh my okay. Well the stuff I put in will help right? How often do I put it in though? Just for today?

I've never actually used any regulators or chemicals to help the water quality. In general it sounds like you shouldn't rely on them. You really, really should get a testing kit, though. They can be a bit pricey but they're definitely worth it. If nothing else at least get one for ammonia. I prefer the full ensemble, though (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. Water hardness too, if you're lucky).

Given the current parameters I assume the tank isn't cycled? Do you know about cycling? In essence, just test the water daily and do daily 20% water changes until the ammonia and nitrite are both at 0 (or very, very close). Once it stabilizes you can safely do weekly water changes. You basically just need to build up the bacteria necessary for breaking down the toxins in the water. Once they're established you don't need to worry too much, but until then the water can get toxic quickly.

Good luck!