Before & After - Yay

[leandrah]

Hello


A year ago, I got Clyde - He was in terrible condition. Look at him now

On the 15th of January 2015, I got another little baba. The change already in his weight and his gills are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Its so awesome to see the huge change and how happy they are.
I have put the pictures in order to show the difference

 

[keiko]

Awesome change! But the gravel in the tank is very dangerous. And the size difference between the two in the third picture seems a bit too much, you might want to put in a divider until the smaller one has grown a bit.

 

[leandrah]

Hi Keiko
I know that many people do not put gravel in their tanks due to impaction. I hand feed my Axolotls twice a day and they never go anywhere close to the gravel when it comes to eating.
There is a size difference, but its a healthy size difference - they are both already mates - Its actually really cute to see how they have bonded.

I do keep an eye on the gravel and I know that gravel is a huge taboo subject on here so i knew that it would be brought up.

 

[allied123]

If that's a current picture there no way they are "already mates"? you wouldn't even be able to accurately sex the small one. Also no matter what you think the gravel is dangerous an accidental inhale (even though you hand feed them) is very possible! and same goes for having such a huge size difference between the big axie and the little one. This is very irresponsible. Accidents happen and everything could be easily fixed. You're putting your animals in harms way for no reason whatsoever.

 

[Otterwoman]

In some varieties of English, "mates" are "friends."

Nice job, Leandrah.

 

[leandrah]

By mates I do mean friends. Obviously I can't sex the little one.
As i said, there is a size difference and i have done tons of research on the forum (as I have always done), and I have seen the pictures where the size difference is too large and unfortunate things have happened.
In many of the posts i have seen, some Axolotls go for their tank mates (friends), no matter the size and they often bite off legs and what not. My Axolotls do not have the same temperament. They are a lot tamer - i often give them head rubs and little massages when they are in the tank - so in a way they have become quite tame. They do not nip at each other at all, the only time they ever nip is when they eat the earthworms out of my hands and they miss slightly.

My Axolotls wont be on the gravel for much longer as the tank is a planted tank and the ground is nearly covered in plants.
Yes, i have checked the water temperature and I have bought plants that can live in cold water and that need minimum light (Before anyone asks). I do not use Co2, I do however use Seachem Flourish and Seachem Excel - I have noticed a difference in my Axolotls since using these plant based products - their gill filaments have grown and they just seem happier . I have researched the Seachem Flourish and Excel excessively and I am happy with what I have seen. (Apparently its great for Algae too )

 

[austinindia]

Having physical contact with your axies can actually be really harmful and detrimental to their health, it causes their "slime coat" to disintegrate and some argue that it causes them pain, or a burning sensation. I'm terribly sorry to be the bearer of bad news- no more snuggles!

 

[AxolotlManiac]

Wow, nice job, gills are gorgeous! ?