Question: Correct action for fungal infection?

[tinyali]

My two axolotls have got a fungal infection. From reading around the forum, I think I know what to do, but just wanted to get some feedback to make sure.

The situation: both axolotls have got white, cotton wool type patches on them. The patches are very small and only on the gills and eyes. The rest of their bodies are unaffected. They are eating and moving normally and have no open wounds. When I shone a light on them to try and see the fungus more clearly they didn't react, which makes me concerned that their eyesight has been affected. However, I don't normally shine bright lights on them, so I don't know what a normal reaction would be.

Water quality: using an API test kit, my water readings are ammonia 0-0.25, nitrate 40-80, nitrite 0, pH 7. I think the poor water quality is due to the fact that I have neglected to clean/replace my filter media, dumb I know.

My plan: give them salt baths (I will follow the instructions on the sticky) and keep them in separate quarantine tubs with daily water changes until the fungus is gone. I don't think they will need fridging as it appears to be quite a minor infection and they are both behaving normally. Meanwhile sort out the water in the main tank. In the main tank I will do a 100% water change and thoroughly clean the filter media and ornaments. I'll then have to get a cycle up and running again before moving the guys back in.

Questions: does this seem to be the right thing to do? And can i keep my moss balls, or would they just reintroduce the fungus into the system? Do you need any more info to assess the situation? I will try and get photos if that would help.

Thanks everyone

 

[Wysper]

Please please please do not immediately treat fungus of the gills with a salt bath. This is more strict than would be needed for a slight fungus.

Instead please look up a tea bath. This is easier on the little one's and stresses them out a LOT less than a salt bath. There are stickies on how to do a tea bath, and if you cannot locate them I would be happy to tell you how. On an even easier note, you can put the tea directly into their quarantine tubs as well, there aren't bad effects from prolonged exposure to the tannins in the tea (which is what helps them recover).

On the other hand, your other measures ...... Fungus isn't necessarily "in the tank". It is a reaction of the axolotl's own body to poor water, not something that is introduced. So, honestly, I would not recommend a full scrub down and destroying your cycle.

Those are my 2cents worth though.

 

[tinyali]

Glad I checked in here first before doing anything!
I had read up on tea baths, I thought they weren't for treating fungus, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to try it first as they are less stressful.
Thanks also for the clarification on how the fungus develops. I had thought it was something in the water causing it.

Anyone else got their 2 cents? Knowledge is power!

 

[Wysper]

Honestly, I would recommend doing partial 50% water changes every day for a few days and see if that helps clear it up instead. Of course, I don't know how large your tank is!

It won't hurt to go ahead and move them to tubs now with fresh cold clean dechlorinated water and start with just that for now.

 

[CarysR]

Definitely tea baths! The tannins in black tea act as an antifungal, which is exactly what your lotls need. In the future, you can also buy almond leaves (from your LFS) to put into your aquarium, which release tannins into the water.

 

[michael]

I'd treat fungus with methylene blue or furan 2 in the normal set up. The problem with methylene blue is it can crash your filter and stain some plastic. Furan 2 would be my first choice.