Illness/Sickness: 2 week baby axolotls - sick

[IluvLotls]

I have approx 160 x 2 week old babies. Most of them are doing well, but there are quite a few floating at the top either upside down, on their side and lots of them have little bubbles inside them. Here are a few details :

1. They are being housed in a very large storage container
2. There is a sponge filter and air pump to create oxygenation in the water
3. We are using the water from the adults tank to do water changes every 2nd day - had water tested and it was OK.
4. Feeding them twice a day on either microworms and instant baby brine shrimp. Tried cutting up blood worms but theyre not really taking to it yet.
5. Only about 4 have died in total and they are almost 3 weeks old.
6. I have added some fresh plants to the water to help with oxygen

So what am I doing wrong ? This is a first for me with the axolotl breeding. I just want to know why alot of them look sick. Happy to share some photos if needed.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[IluvLotls]

Here is a pic of one of them...

 

[auntiejude]

Axies that young can be stressed by current from a filter, thats why most of us use smaller tubs with 100% daily water changes. By using water from the adults' tank you are just transferring waste - I would recommend fresh dechlorinated water instead.

Floating usually resolves itself, but if it persists I would consider culling them - its not worth the time and effort to try and save axies who probably won't thrive.