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!

Is this impaction?

kjones8000

New member
Joined
Aug 11, 2018
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Location
Boulder, CO
New to Axolotl care/ownership.
First photo is first day in tank after receiving in the mail.
2nd 2 photos are abut 6 days later.
Axle is 2.5-3” long.
We took a chance and put Axle on a black aquarium sand substrate and fed bloodworms only in a mason jar, taking great care to suction up any that floated out. Still saw Axle sucking up sand sometimes.

I was worried about impaction due to the abdomen extension and unevenness. Advice from Facebook was to tub Axle to see if he would poop. He has been in a tub with 100% water changes for 2 days. Has pooped 2 days in a row.

Advice on how to proceed? Removing all sand would probably harm the cycle. Putting slate on top of sand would work until Axle is bigger to better pass sand, but messy underneath. Tubbing until he is 4-5” is not feasible.

Advice? Thank you!
 

Attachments

  • 79484E2D-2B01-40B2-A866-C7A81794AE66.jpg
    79484E2D-2B01-40B2-A866-C7A81794AE66.jpg
    480.4 KB · Views: 220
  • A63191CA-E268-4952-B9D8-D4B3856C9B85.jpg
    A63191CA-E268-4952-B9D8-D4B3856C9B85.jpg
    495.6 KB · Views: 157
  • CC297B4B-A00E-4641-ADAB-BF04A70682CE.jpg
    CC297B4B-A00E-4641-ADAB-BF04A70682CE.jpg
    327.6 KB · Views: 145

KumquatSquats

New member
Joined
Apr 17, 2019
Messages
162
Reaction score
1
Location
WA
Well the sand is a risk when they are small but if want to monitor it as you go I would advise the slate tile plan, at least to minimize the amount of sand they can eat to some degree. Currently doesn't look like impaction to me, if they are pooping on a regular basis that is a good sign that they are able to pass the sand they are eating. Still you should watch out for changes in behavior or appetite. When you can switch to chopped earthworms, hand feeding or training them to come to the surface to be fed should also help lower the risk.
 
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Top