Back What's new
By:
Filters
Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Illness/Sickness: Axie floating. Really worried

Lincolnsmommy

Lincolnsmommy

New member
Joined
Aug 10, 2010
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone,

I have two cute axies which ive had for around 2 months. When i first had them one got really ill floating in the tank and not being able to get back down to the bottom. It started with just his/her bum floating but got worse. I took him out of the tank and put in shallow water but no luck. I decided to empty the tank and start again with fresh treated water and after this it was fine, i was so relieved. Now however his floating again with his bum in the air. The water is clean and ive been doing regular waterchanges. I did one yesturday but still his not right. What i dont understand is that the other axie is fine and happy.

I dont know what to do? Any advice would be great as i cant keep redoing the tank every 2 weeks.

Thanks
 
Loobylou

Loobylou

New member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
232
Reaction score
11
Location
Dorset
Lincolnsmommy said:
Hi everyone,

I have two cute axies which ive had for around 2 months. When i first had them one got really ill floating in the tank and not being able to get back down to the bottom. It started with just his/her bum floating but got worse. I took him out of the tank and put in shallow water but no luck. I decided to empty the tank and start again with fresh treated water and after this it was fine, i was so relieved. Now however his floating again with his bum in the air. The water is clean and ive been doing regular waterchanges. I did one yesturday but still his not right. What i dont understand is that the other axie is fine and happy.

I dont know what to do? Any advice would be great as i cant keep redoing the tank every 2 weeks.

Thanks
Click to expand...

When they float with their bottoms up it usually means they need the toilet. If completely re-doing the tank solved it, it may have been because the new water was colder and encouraged him to 'go'. He should be fine without you interfering, though if he is still floating in a couple of days you may need to look into lowering the temperature of your water, or Fridging him :). If he looks really stressed trying to get to the bottom, it might help to pop him into a Tupperware pot floating on the tank, with just enough water to cover him, that way he can put his feet on the bottom of the tub.
 
Lincolnsmommy

Lincolnsmommy

New member
Joined
Aug 10, 2010
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Thanks im hoping it is just that but it always lasts weeks. Why does he always get it do you think? Is it something im doing? ive already put him in a tupperware box as he did look stressed the poor soul :( hate being so helpless and his friend is looking for him.

Thanks again for your reply
 
Loobylou

Loobylou

New member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
232
Reaction score
11
Location
Dorset
What temperature is your tank? Mine seem to get it when the tank gets slightly too warm.

Edit: I've just seen your photo of them. It may be that one is eating the sand. They still look quite small and it might be causing him to become a little constipated.
 
Lincolnsmommy

Lincolnsmommy

New member
Joined
Aug 10, 2010
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
They're fed earthworms and thats all at the moment.
Should i change the sand then?
Thanks both
 
Loobylou

Loobylou

New member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
232
Reaction score
11
Location
Dorset
It might be an idea, especially if he's had the same problem before :)
 
M

melr70

New member
Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I had this exact problem with one of my juveniles. Each time I fridged him he would be fine and then a day after returning him to the tank he would be floating again. The other juveniles with him were all fine. He now lives in a large plastic storage tub. Every time he starts to float I lower the water level to reduce stress and within a few days he's as right as rain (after doing a large poo) and I top the tub back up to its proper level. I'm hoping that he'll grow out of it :) I don't know if his size (or greed) has anything to do with his constipation but he's the biggest of my eight juvies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
     +1
    Unlike
  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
     +1
    Unlike
  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
     +1
    Unlike
  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
     +1
    Unlike
    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
    Top