回复: Axolotl
The pH is 7.6 and yes unfortunately the filter I use currently wasn't used for around 2 years so I will be definitely restarting to cycle my tank. The temperature is 21 degrees celsius and I attempted to cool it down by putting some ice in a plastic bottle, but it melted in around an hour and by then the other plastic bottle in the fridge hadn't become frozen yet so I couldn't keep trying to stabilise colder temperatures, so I just decided it would be better to keep it at one temperature rather than continuously make the temperature drop and rise (I've heard it's terrible for the axolotl). The axolotl has already reached sexual maturity as its fingertips are black and he is quite long, around 20cm. He's still the exact same size from when I purchased him (as in the width of his stomach). I have some Seachem stability left over so I did a 60% water change today and added some of it in according to the instructions. I do think fridging would help with his healing but he is quite thin so I really don't know if I should because I'm afraid he'd become even more thinner ): For his food, it's made up of a mixture of bloodworms, krill, shrimp etc so when it melts in the water it doesn't come apart but rather it stays as a solid, so there aren't bloodworms flying around the tank messily. I did think about using a dish so he can eat it himself but he barely eats anything from me when I handfeed him even if he hasn't eaten for 2 days or more. So far I'm planning to change 50% of the water every second day as seachem states it can level the water conditions for 48 hours, and I also think that changing the water everyday might stress him out even more. I've attached some photos of him, if he looks in really bad condition I'll start fridging him ):
21C isnt enough to hurt your axolotl, and theres not really much point using ice bottles as you're right in that the temperature fluctuations you'll get from it is more risky than doing nothing, its really not worth the time. Only start using ice bottles if it exceeds 24 or so.
If his body is the width of his stomach then fridging him for a few days will not hurt him. He certainly looks healthy enough in the pictures. I was concerned that he was a juvie as you got him from a pet store and usually they sell juveniles but at almost 8 inches he is likely to be an adult. I think fridging will be crucial for his healing so I would really recommend it, with daily 100% water changes of his tub, of course.
I think we've solved the mystery of why your axie isnt gaining weight like you want - if he is an adult then I would not recommend feeding him solely on nutrient deficient food like frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. They are primarily for juveniles and as a supplement for adults. Adults should be fed on a diet primarily comprised of live earthworms - Dendrobaena, preferably. Illness aside, he probably has little interest in dead food and wants to eat live, nutrient-rich prey. If you want him to be happy and healthy, you should do this for him. You can order worms online, even on Amazon, and you can start a worm farm or just keep them in a tub until they're gone and then order more.
I don't know what Seachem is, but I have never trusted any of these "prime" products, they're total bulls**t in my opinion. There is no easy quick fix when it comes to cycling, you just need to monitor the water conditions and keep on top of them to make sure they don't get out of control. I'm glad you're choosing to step up with the water changes as most new owners are really stubborn about it, and I don't see any harm in using this product, but just don't depend on it.
What i'm going to recommend is that you fridge your axolotl for a few days until he feels better, and when he's back in the tank you do the daily/every other day water changes, and measure the water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate daily or at least every other day to keep on top of it. I'm worried that as your axolotl is going to stay in an environment that is going to be highly stressful (any amount of ammonia or nitrite is toxic for axolotls) he may get more ill if you leave him in there damaged as he is, but its up to you. I don't see any harm in fridging him at this time. Axolotls can safely go for 1.5 weeks without food in room temperature conditions, even longer in cooler temperatures. Please make sure you read the guides thoroughly though to know what you're doing, especially checking that your fridge does not go below 5C. Fish-in-tank cycling is considered to be cruel by many people, so you'll have to step up and make sure he's as comfortable as possible in this situation until its over, though it sounds like you're going to do that.
If you're worried about stressing him out with the water changes once he's back in his tank, get him a little tunnel or house so he has somewhere to hide while it happens - mine has a tunnel that works perfectly for this reason. Its definitely less stressful than taking them out every time.
Good luck with everything, and please always come back to the forum for advice if you need it.