Axolotl unhappy?

[Fallenangel]

My female axolotl isnt being herself. Usually she's swimming about all the time and coming to the front to see me when i go over to her, but recently she doesnt want to be sociable. I havnt seen her swim about for about a week now, she's just still all the time and not bothered when i talk to her like she usually is. She's been in a tank on her own for a few months now as the 2 boys kept biting parts from her! She' been happy up until now, she's eating fine, the waters fine, i just dont know whats wrong with her :-/ Is she sick? Any suggestions?
Thanks.

 

[Chinadog]

Welcome to the site.
I moved your thread to the Axolotl section, you should get more views here.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Sorry to hear your worries, could you post your water parameters? And water temperature? What foods do you use?

Post some images of your Axolotl and tank, sometimes speeds up a diagnosis ^^

 

[Fallenangel]

Hi,

Ph - 6.4
KH - 50
GH - 50
Nitrate - 25
Nitrite - 0.5
Ammonia - 0.5

Water is sitting at 14 degrees and i feed all 3 of my axis worms.

Thanks.

 

[Fallenangel]

Anyone have any ideas? She's still the same ?

 

[Fallenangel]

This is her

 

[Fallenangel]

And again

 

[Skudo09]

It looks like your tank is in the process of cycling as you have readings of ammonia and nitrite. You will need to monitor the parameters closely and do frequent water changes to keep the ammonia and nitrite at safe levels (0.25ppm) whilst it is cycling. Spikes in ammonia and nitrite may be contributing to the behaviour.

 

[charleybambino]

If she's eating well then that's a good sign.
Perhaps she's just having a duvet day after the stress of two nippy males.
Their behaviour often changes....so from what you say, and if nothing else changes, then I wouldn't worry.

 

[Fallenangel]

What does cycling mean? I change the water in both my tanks every week and a half. If readings are a bit high how do you correct them? For the 2 years I've had her shes always been the same, hence why this change in behaviour is worrying me. Thanks.

 

[Fallenangel]

Managed to get this pik of her today. Look how damn cute she is!

 

[Skudo09]

Here is a link on cycling

Scales Tails Wings and Things, What is Aquarium Cycling? How to Cycle your Tank

It is a natural process that occurs but the presence of ammonia and nitrite suggest that your tank is in the process and a cycle has not established. It may have been established but crashed at some point. Do you dechlorinate your water before adding to the tank? Make sure you also only clean filter media with dechlorinated tank water as the chemicals in straight tap water will kill off the beneficial bacteria that maintain the cycle. The bacteria live on the surfaces particularly your filter media but also substrate, tank walls, ornaments etc.

Whilst it is establishing the cycle you will need to check the parameters daily and do frequent water changes to keep ammonia and nitrite at safe levels (0.25ppm). A cycled tank will have readings of zero ammonia, zero nitrite and some reading of nitrate (but keep nitrate below 40ppm by regular water changes).

And look at that adorable face

 

[Fallenangel]

Im really not convinced its anything to do with the water or cycling. It cant be the first time the tank has cycled in the 2 years ive had her? Every time i have ever checked the water there has always been small readings of ammonia and nitrate and its never been a problem to any if my axis :-/ By dechlorinate do you mean adding aqua safe to the water? If so yes i do.
I have my boys in another tank and the readings from that tank are exactly the same as from my females tank and the boys are fine, im so confused! Im a bit of an aqua-novice but ive managed to keep them alive and happy for 2 years so i must be doing something right haha!
Ive just given my female another worm and shes took it as always but she hasnt inhaled it like she normally does, took her time with it. I think maybe shes just not feeling well for some reason but i dont know what to do to help her. Im awaiting some more ammonia testing strips which are coming tomorrow so i'll post another update on the water readings. Thank you.

 

[Skudo09]

Test strips are notorious for being inaccurate. I would recommend investing in a liquid test kit. Cycling is extremely important. It may Or may not be causing your current issue but maintaining a cycled aquarium is important for water quality and maintaining their health. Many illlnesses can be avoided simply through diligent water maintenance and being aware of the cycling process, how it affects aquatic life, how to maintain the cycle and what to do if the cycle crashes. A cycled tank will have readings of zero ammonia, zero nitrite and a reading of nitrate. Ammonia an nitrite spike during the cycling process and can rise quickly. Both are very toxic to aquatic life and it is important that you take steps to ensure that you do not expose your axolotl to dangerous levels of these toxins.

I cannot stress the importance of understanding the cycling process and being diligent in ensuring you test parameters and do water changes frequently to keep the ammonia and nitrite below 0.25ppm. Regardless of whether you have not seen the axolotls affected by it or not up until now, does not indicate that it is not an issue or that it won't cause problems in the future. They may be affected but not showing outwardly visible symptoms. Please take your time to read through the link and you can always ask questions about it if it doesn't make sense.

 

[Shycloudgirl]

Has your temperature recently dropped? My axolotl gets a little lazy when the temperature is 13-15 degrees C, so that could be part of the problem. Hope she gets back to normal, she's a cute little axie