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Hi I am new and need help

Jmcknight

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Hello I'm new to the sight and i really need help with my female Axolotl, Mudkip. I am new to this particular side of the aquarium hobby as i mainly just keep inverts like crayfish, African Cichlids, snails, and stuff like that. I always wanted and Axolotl though, So i noticed at my LFS her gills were just fine and everything. I got her home and roughly a week later the gills on the right side of her face curled backwards and have stayed curled backwards unless she flicks her gills. The gills of the left side are extended out with only a slight curl back and not curled all the way against her head like the right side. I know he is stressed and i cant figure out why. The tip of her tail is doing the curl thing. She eats wonderfully though and has gained a little weight. I cut up nightcrawlers for her and feed her 1 everyday and she snatches them from my tongs like she cant get enough. She tends to stay in 1 place though, underneath this decoration in the pictures. I thought maybe the current in the water was too much so i switched out filters. The HOB filter on the tank previously made a strong current and the new one barely makes any. I guess the current was one issue because as i type this she is walking around the entire tank and moving around but the tip of her tail is still curled up. I dont know what to do. Also i dont think she has pooped more then once since i got her 2-3 weeks ago. Keep in mind the green coloring you see on her in the first picture is actually just algea. Ive been afraid to move her to clean that part of the glass.She is in a well established tank, PH is 7.4, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and only 5 ppm nitrates. I do water changes once a week. Roughly 35-40 % at a time and fill the tank back up with a watering can so as not to disturb her.
 

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Kitan

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:( I am really sorry but I think you have an impaction issue. Axolotls should never be kept on gravel as that is pretty much a guarenteed outcome. Looks like pretty early stages though.

So what now? I would highly suggest fridging an hoping for the best. Keep offering food daily. With luck they will pass it, though you may need to take them to a vet, especially if they stop eating.

http://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/Fridging.shtml

Please toss the gravel; bare bottom will work just fine if you dont want to deal with sand or a slate bottom.

If you have questions, just ask :)
 

Jmcknight

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I have removed the gravel and kept her in the fridge on the advice of my vet. Kept her in the fridge for almost 3 days. She cooled herself right down and has passed everything. What came out of her wasn't my gravel though. It was the gravel from the pet store. She is now back in her new gravel free tank and is currently walking around her front yard eating some worm pieces i put in there for her. Her gills are all flowing and great looking. She is good now!
 

Kitan

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YAY! That is incredible news! Great job noticing your 'lotl was off and getting it all sorted before it became deadly :D
 
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