Axolotls & Teabaths

[littleprince5]

I had a few questions that may sound stupid but are nonetheless intriguing about teabaths and axos.

First, does the caffeine in a tea bath affect the axo in any way? Do they get hyper or buzzed? If not, why?

Second, how do they breathe in a tea bath? Do they actually swallow some tea?

Third, would the tea bath have a bad effect on their kidneys? I know too much tea for humans is bad for their kidneys.

My friends asked these questions and I found I didn’t really have a response to them. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[wolfen]

I had a few questions that may sound stupid but are nonetheless intriguing about teabaths and axos.

First, does the caffeine in a tea bath affect the axo in any way? Do they get hyper or buzzed? If not, why?

Second, how do they breathe in a tea bath? Do they actually swallow some tea?

Third, would the tea bath have a bad effect on their kidneys? I know too much tea for humans is bad for their kidneys.

My friends asked these questions and I found I didn’t really have a response to them. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

they breath the oxygen in the water by absorbing it through the gills and skin, the water/tea is ingested rather then swallowed.
caffeine isn't good for them but the low amounts in tea are relatively harmless.
tea baths are used because of the high amounts of tannins, coffee also contains high amounts of tannins but because of the high caffeine is unwise to use.
almond/catappa leaves contain tannins but are slower to release than black tea.
if there are concerns about using black tea almond/catappa leaf extract is widely available as it is used to make black water.
I'm not sure if there has been any research on the effects of caffeine on axolotls done, although after all the years that black tea baths have been used with axolotls there isn't really any warnings of long term kidney damage.

 

[littleprince5]

they breath the oxygen in the water by absorbing it through the gills and skin, the water/tea is ingested rather then swallowed.
caffeine isn't good for them but the low amounts in tea are relatively harmless.
tea baths are used because of the high amounts of tannins, coffee also contains high amounts of tannins but because of the high caffeine is unwise to use.
almond/catappa leaves contain tannins but are slower to release than black tea.
if there are concerns about using black tea almond/catappa leaf extract is widely available as it is used to make black water.
I'm not sure if there has been any research on the effects of caffeine on axolotls done, although after all the years that black tea baths have been used with axolotls there isn't really any warnings of long term kidney damage.

Is it okay to use caffeinated 100% black tea? I have been told to use that for my axo and he’s been fine.

 

[wolfen]

Is it okay to use caffeinated 100% black tea? I have been told to use that for my axo and he’s been fine.

if he's fine with it then there shouldn't be a issue, always keep an eye on your axolotl for any signs of stress, be aware though tea baths/almond leaves/peat are not advisable if the water is soft as the tannins are acidic and will lower the ph of the water.

 

[littleprince5]

if he's fine with it then there shouldn't be a issue, always keep an eye on your axolotl for any signs of stress, be aware though tea baths/almond leaves/peat are not advisable if the water is soft as the tannins are acidic and will lower the ph of the water.

Also: last question: does the caffeine give the axos a buzz at all? Are they hyper?

 

[wolfen]

Also: last question: does the caffeine give the axos a buzz at all? Are they hyper?

I can't say I have ever noticed them being hyper or more alert or heard of them being so but axolotls are so laid back even walking around the tank more could be classed as buzzing on caffeine. I think if the axolotl became more active during the day then yeah could be the caffeine but if it is night time activity then that would be normal axolotl behaviour.