Gills

[kelly]

I changed my filter a few months ago to one that aerates the water as well. The filter is half in the tank and half out, it sucks in water and then takes it above the surface and pours it back in the tank.

I've noticed ever since I got this filter, my two axies don't swim, or rarely do, and they never go to the surface anymore to gulp air (which I assumed is a good thing).

But I also notice that every now and again their gills go really ratty and curly and stick forward and stuff.

I've heard this problem is associated with the air flow of the filter. If this is the case, does anyone know if the airflow would be too strong or too weak, and how do I change it exactly?

This is what one of them looks like at the moment if it helps:

 

[mik]

Looks healthy enough as far as an be said from a photo. Nice golden albino!

If water flow is too strong they will have trouble swimming and will drift from time to time. Some filtes have a little knob or the air induction pipe can be rotated to vary the flow. Alternativley discharge the outlet over a rock or plant to spread out the impact.

Young axies swim much more than adults. Mine used to frequently do laps up to about 7" long/7 months but are much more sedate now.

I put my large fellows in a new bigger tank with undergravel filter I never see them gulping anymore. Different set up same observations!

Enjoy them

 

[mary]

LOL your axi looks like mine!!! I have a picture that looks almost exactly the same! Slightly different background but the axi looks the same and is in the same position and stuff!!! How very interestiong!

 

[kelly]

I'll try putting a plant under the filter. Thanks guys.