Dying axolotl

[crystal]

hi i think my axolotl is dying it hasnt eaten for 4 days and its changing colour.it used to be a blacky brownish colour but now it gone a grey blueish colour and is constantly floating at the top of the tank
im really worried i dont want it to die
pleas help.

 

[kapo]

Crystal, remove your axolotl from the tank and put him in a plastic container of dechlorinated water, lower it so he doesn't float. You may need to put him in the fridge, but only if its above 4c, so minimum of 5C.

Check your fridge temperature by placing a thermometer in a cup/glass and in the fridge at the back. Check in 20=30minutes.

If ok, then put a lid on the container, wrap with a teatowel and place in the fridge. Also, put in a bottle of dechlorinated water as you will need to do complete daily waterchanges with water of the same temperature.

What is his tank temperature at?

How long have you owned him, if only recent how long was his tank setup before you got him? Have you tested the water parameters at all - for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

Are there any other tank companions in the tank and/or have you added anything recently to your tank?

 

[crystal]

he seems to have come right and has gone back to his normal colour and is eating
but last night i noticed that he is bleeding from his gills

the tank temp is 18c today
i've had him for bout 2 months
the tank he is in was given to me from my brother
which he had nothing in it

i have'nt tested the water parameters i don't really know much bout that stuff

 

[crystal]

also how often should i do water changes
cos i have no idea

 

[kapo]

If your tank is cycled it should be waterchanged regularly once a week, about 30% waterchange. \

To test your water parameters you need to take a sample of tankwater to the petshop (assuming you don't have tests for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate!) and ask them to test it for you for the 3 I mentioned. Then ask them to write down the figures.

Do not buy any products they try to sell you if your ammonia or nitrite levels are above 0. High ammonia/nitrite levels (ie anything above 0) can be fixed by partial 20-30% daily waterchanges. This will keep the water safe enough for your axie to reside in it.

If in doubt come back here and ask.

Most petshops have really no idea about caring for axolotls and tend to give you the wrong information or try to sell you products that you don't need.

If he does start to float again then I suggest you put him in an icecream container or bucket of dechlorinated/water aged/conditioned water and lower water till he doesn't float.

Whereabouts in NZ are you?

 

[crystal]

thanks i will get the water tested,do they charge for this or is it free

i live in taranaki

 

[kapo]

Some charge about $3, some will do it for free.

You'll find a lot of useful information/advice on this forum.

I'm in Wgtn, there are a few kiwis on here that pop in and out now and again!

 

[alex]

<font color="0077aa"><font face="arial,helvetica"><font size="+2">im upset because i think my axolotl is dying how would i find this out</font></font></font>

 

[kapo]

alex start a new thread, so people can help you specifically, and list symptoms on why you think it's dying if known, how long its been showing said symptoms and how long you've had it, size of tank, temperature, if it has any companions, anything you thinks relevant

Just a bit hard to know if it's dying and you really haven't given any info.