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Illness/Sickness: Are they stressed

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Saltandpepper

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Hi all,
My husband and I are new to having axolotls,
We have done lots of research and finally got our 2 5days ago.
They are both eating fine and seem, what I believe is normal yet their gills seem to always be forward... Does this really mean they are stressed?
They aren't forward to the point of touching their heads but just always tilted forward.
All the tank stats are excellent....
I've attached pics of one of them...
 

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keiko

keiko

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The gills do seem to be curled forward more than axies usually have, but I don't think they're too bad. It might just be the stress from moving and being in a new tank.
What are your exact ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and temperature? What kind of filter do you have, is the current produced by the filter strong?
 
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Saltandpepper

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Hi, the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are all 0. Ph is 7.4-7.6 and temp is 19
Oh and the filter is one with the stick that the water comes out of. I have it coming out against the glass, as I read this is best to minimise current
 
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Saltandpepper

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I'm just supper worried, the albino always seems worse than the other gills are always curled and some days they have nice colour others they seem quite light. This one is also not as active as the other
 
keiko

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If the nitrate is 0 then your tank is probably not cycled? Keep testing the water regularly and make enough water changes to make sure ammonia and nitrite stay under 0.5 and nitrate under 40.
The gills change color according to the axie's activity level: more active -> need more oxygen -> more bloodflow to the gills -> bright red gills.
I guess they could still be stressed from the move and new surroundings so just keep an eye on them a few more days and see if anything changes. Maybe get some plants that would provide some shade and safety to them.
 
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