Is it bloat?

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KatyWhypes

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I received my first 2 axolotls on Christmas Eve after months of preparing my set-up (35 gal. tall glass aquarium filled 1/2 way, 2 Eheim canister filters, sand substrate, Coolworks iceprobe chiller for up to 55 gal.) and they've both done beautifully adapting to their new home. However, I have read that hovering around the top of the water is a sign of illness--usually bloat--in axolotls and my female melanoid seems to prefer this location.

She is slender, active, and very enthusiastic about feedings and doesn't have difficulty getting to the aquarium floor when she wants to. Could she be conditioned to beg for food this way or simply just be exploring all levels of the water column? Or should I be concerned?
 

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Bloat is a symptom of an underlying issue. The reason why it is called bloat is because of the bloated appearance due to swelling either by air or fluid.

If one prefers the surface over the other, I would chock it to individual preference, provided that the water parameters are correct. She doesn't look stressed, and it seems too much current is not an issue as well.

I would, however, err on the side of caution and not feed blood worms on sand.
 
Thank you for your response! I had the sort of innate feeling that she's healthy but I just wanted some outside opinion--I appreciate the input!

In regards to the bloodworms in the picture, I took this picture after an initial feeding and I had planned to suction leftovers out with a turkey baster as suggested by many users. Unfortunately this proved to be more of a messy endeavor than anticipated....what are your suggestions on feedings with a sand substrate?
 
Feeding jars work well & it doesn't take them long to get used to.

At the size your lotls are I would be feeding them live earthworms - it might take a couple of days to get used to them but they're better for them & easier to clean up :)

Your lotl is a cutie - great smile :D



<3 >o_o< <3
 
KatyWhypes said:
Thank you for your response! I had the sort of innate feeling that she's healthy but I just wanted some outside opinion--I appreciate the input!

In regards to the bloodworms in the picture, I took this picture after an initial feeding and I had planned to suction leftovers out with a turkey baster as suggested by many users. Unfortunately this proved to be more of a messy endeavor than anticipated....what are your suggestions on feedings with a sand substrate?
Click to expand...

No worries!

A couple users here use plates, bowls, and even jars to feed blood worms.

Edit: Oops. Didn't see your reply, Nikki.
 
Also, axies are very lazy! There is higher oxygen saturation at the surface = less work for axies to get oxygen :)
 
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