TunaPips
New member
I know this is a lot of info but I just wanted to post everything here and see that I'm doing things right/everything is ok
I brought home my new axolotl (called Tuna) on Monday. I have had 2 adult axolotls before and they were very happy and healthy, but I haven't ever 'raised' a juvenile and I feel like a complete beginner. I have researched for months and months (mostly thanks to this website).
He is about 4/4.5 inches at the moment, and is regrowing his limbs after being kept in a pet shop tank (about 15gl) with ONE HUNDRED other babies/juveniles (I just had to get him out of there!). Other than that, he seems a good size/weight with no scratches or anything. His gills are a little small (is that just due to him being so young? Will they grow?)
His tank:
Cycled for 6 weeks prior to him going in
10 gallons (plan to move him to a bigger one when he is older/larger, just saving up the money right now)
Set up: Pisces natural sand (black), polyresin bonsai tree, large rocks, half log to hide in
Average temperature 18C or 64F - this fluctuates up to 22C (71F) because of the Australian heat, I've been trying to cool it with an aquarium fan which usually lowers it to 20C (68F) (is this ok?)
Filter flow - seems pretty strong (for an axolotl), I am making a spray bar this weekend to help lessen it (is that enough?)
pH 7.5
GH 60 ppm (mg/L)
KH 80 ppm (mg/L)
Nitrate 20 ppm (mg/L)
Nitrite 0 ppm (mg/L)
*The lights are only on for photos*
Feeding:
The aquarium was feeding him black worms and small parts of earthworm. I fed him some earthworm after a few hours on the first day which he happily received, however he hasn't eaten since then (4 days). I assume it's because he is settling into his new environment, however because he is a juvenile I am a bit worried. Is he just still a bit stressed? Should I just keep trying and eventually he will come around?
He's not terribly active, likes to move around from hiding spot to hiding spot.
I suppose my main concerns are:
The size of his gills/regrowing limbs
Tank temperature
Filter flow
Feeding
General stress and if it will pass after he settles in
Any feedback or advice would be so so greatly appreciated Thank you!!!
I'll attach a photo (If I can figure out how haha!), he is a special little guy.
I brought home my new axolotl (called Tuna) on Monday. I have had 2 adult axolotls before and they were very happy and healthy, but I haven't ever 'raised' a juvenile and I feel like a complete beginner. I have researched for months and months (mostly thanks to this website).
He is about 4/4.5 inches at the moment, and is regrowing his limbs after being kept in a pet shop tank (about 15gl) with ONE HUNDRED other babies/juveniles (I just had to get him out of there!). Other than that, he seems a good size/weight with no scratches or anything. His gills are a little small (is that just due to him being so young? Will they grow?)
His tank:
Cycled for 6 weeks prior to him going in
10 gallons (plan to move him to a bigger one when he is older/larger, just saving up the money right now)
Set up: Pisces natural sand (black), polyresin bonsai tree, large rocks, half log to hide in
Average temperature 18C or 64F - this fluctuates up to 22C (71F) because of the Australian heat, I've been trying to cool it with an aquarium fan which usually lowers it to 20C (68F) (is this ok?)
Filter flow - seems pretty strong (for an axolotl), I am making a spray bar this weekend to help lessen it (is that enough?)
pH 7.5
GH 60 ppm (mg/L)
KH 80 ppm (mg/L)
Nitrate 20 ppm (mg/L)
Nitrite 0 ppm (mg/L)
*The lights are only on for photos*
Feeding:
The aquarium was feeding him black worms and small parts of earthworm. I fed him some earthworm after a few hours on the first day which he happily received, however he hasn't eaten since then (4 days). I assume it's because he is settling into his new environment, however because he is a juvenile I am a bit worried. Is he just still a bit stressed? Should I just keep trying and eventually he will come around?
He's not terribly active, likes to move around from hiding spot to hiding spot.
I suppose my main concerns are:
The size of his gills/regrowing limbs
Tank temperature
Filter flow
Feeding
General stress and if it will pass after he settles in
Any feedback or advice would be so so greatly appreciated Thank you!!!
I'll attach a photo (If I can figure out how haha!), he is a special little guy.