Axolotl sick?

[Luna]

I just came back from a camping trip and left my axolotls care in the hands of my parents. I have then come back to see that my golden axolotls gills have shrunk and I wasn't sure if there was something wrong or because I have an oxygen stone. My other axolotl seems to be unaffected.

 

[Jen10s]

Hi Luna, first thing I would do is check your water parameters and temperature in case they've gotten out of hand whilst you were away.

What kind of filter do you have, does it have a strong current ? All these things can contribute to gill damage.

Also, those stones look like they'd trap a lot of food and waste under them, must be a nightmare to clean - I'd recommend removing them and replacing with fine play sand (thoroughly washed of course) or have the tank bare bottom.

Post some water readings, temp etc for everyone so we can help you out :happy:

 

[Luna]

i did use to have fine sand but the pet shop was suspecting that is what killed my other axolotl so we changed and i also have the patient to clean under the rocks, so im not to fussed about them i do a thorough job of cleaning them. I have a sponge filter and i have put it to the lowest power it can get so the current isnt too high. I did a 25% - 50% water change 4 days ago. Could the air stone shorten the gills?

 

[Olivia97]

Theoretically yes the airstone could, how long have you had it? What's the ammonia reading?

 

[Luna]

i have had it since sunday and from my last test the ammonia was a little bit high but i have since done a water change and need to go back for another water test

 

[Jen10s]

Not very likely that the air stone is your problem.

Sponge filter shouldn't cause any problems either.

Gill damage is far more likely to be poor water quality.

What are you using to test the water ? Do you have a liquid test kit or test strips ?

Please post some water parameters and temperature so we can help.

Also, wouldn't pay too much attention to what your pet store tells you, they are notorious for giving out all the WRONG information when it comes to caring for Axies, you are far better off asking your questions here, at least we all keep Axies and breed them so there's a wealth of knowledge right here :happy:

 

[Olivia97]

I'd say what Luna means is they get their water tested at the petshop? yes?

 

[Jen10s]

Lol, man I type slow - miss both your replies whilst I typed that last one!

Is the air stone out in the open or tucked away in a corner ? I have one too but it's where they can't reach it

 

[Luna]

i get my water tested at the pet store, and my air stone is in the corner but she is able to get to it, it is also in one of her favorite places to hang out so she is usually near it. I turned it off yesterday afternoon and came back in the morning and saw that her gills have become more fluffier than seen in the picture above.

 

[Alkylhalide]

Does the pet store ise the strips or liquid test? I remember i brought my water in the day i went to buy my api master test kit he is testing my water using strips as he is telling me how innacurate and rubbish strips are and i should buy the liquid.

He is right, though thats what they use when you bring your water in.
And all he told me was "everything looks good" okay? Good for who? Turns out my ammonia was high when i got home.

Plus if your axies gills shrunk that quickly and that much i would want to be doing daily or every other day test.
I really recommend an api master test kit. Its only about 25$ and it saves you a ton of trips to the pet store and you can test as often as you feel you need to.

That looks like poor water quality to me anyways i really suggest testing yourself to get your test readings and post them here.

Ph
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Temp

 

[Luna]

the pet store i go to specializes in fish and they use liquid test, they show me everything so i can see that it is actually good and that they aren't just kidding me on. The water looks very clean at the moment, its very clear there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it maybe its just the picture

 

[FX1C]

the pet store i go to specializes in fish and they use liquid test, they show me everything so i can see that it is actually good and that they aren't just kidding me on. The water looks very clean at the moment, its very clear there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it maybe its just the picture

Clarity does not mean water is healthy.

How often/ regularly do you take your water in for testing?

It's always good to have your own test kit & use it often.

I would be keeping your lotl in some clean dechlorinated water until you can be sure the tanks levels are healthy.
The pictures look like water quality has affected the gills.



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[FX1C]

How is your axolotl doing now?



<3 >o_o< <3

 

[Luna]

she is back to normal, i get the water tested 2-3 after i have cleaned the tank and the clean 1/4-1/2 of the tank once a week

 

[Kerry M]

The best thing that I ever did for my lotls was to get that test kit. I don't think it is a choice, it is seriously a must have for an animal that requires good water quality.