Help - i think i've poisoned my axolotl

[drpepper]

Hi everyone

Had my axolotl for about 10 weeks now, and made sure we did everything right (got the right sand/hiding places/suitable tank/expensive filter.

Spoke to the guy about all of this and he said it sounded like it was just fine, but unfortunately since i've never had a fish before, i forgot to ask (and i take it he assumed i knew) about de-chlorinating the water!

Cut a long story short, high PH level, high ammonia levels, high nitrate and nitrite levels... for the past few days he's been in properly cleaned water (sat for a day with de-chlorinator in it) and fridged, but as you can see from the picture he's not in a good way and i'm not sure if time will be a healer.

He's lost lot a lot of weight, his gills have gone and as you can see, there's several dark patches around his head and eyes(and he just all round looks sick), this has been quite sudden too, he didn't look ill a week or two ago.

I'm devatasted about the little guy, so i'm just hoping someone can suggest something to get him fighting fit again.

Thanks

 

[FX1C]

At least you've caught it now

The best thing is to keep him in the dechlorinated water (measured accurately) & change it 100% daily making sure to give the tub a good scrub every second day & remove waste as you see it.

If the temp where you are isn't too warm then I suggest keeping him in a quiet darkish place not in the fridge.. The fridge will only slow down appetite even more. Keep offering food & eventually he'll be tempted.

I would also add some black tea to the tub water - adding more with the daily water changes - I've found the tannins helps the detox process.
(Pic of how to below)
Avoid salt baths unless you see fungus - keep a close eye on your lotl.

Meanwhile you can balance out the issues with your tank..

Please keep us updated on the progress of your lotl





<3 >o_o< <3

 

[racheljritchie]

is he refusing food?
to be honest i kept axolotls years ago and didnt know of these lovely forums back then. I had two for 3 years and never once used dechlorinator (they didnt die but i had to give them up as i fell pregnant and had no space for cot etc!! my mam had to take them to their new home as i couldnt do it)
I must say i was lucky as mine never had any problems at all but i knew very little and was told minimal amount from the petshop i bought them from!!

I left my nana to look after my current axolotls when i went on holiday 2 years ago, i only went for a week but when i returned the water in my tank was virtually white!! they were very ill and their gills shrank and their skin peeled slightly, for a week i had them in a container out of their tank and i changed the water morning and night aprox 50-70% each time. one dies the next day but after 3 days or so the other started eating small amounts and recovered fully within 2 weeks.

I hope you get it all sorted xx

 

[Kerry M]

I agree with the advice that Nikki has given you.

Some of the drops that I have require precise measurement so I use a 1ml dropper that I got from the chemist, you may need one depending upon the product that you have. If you prepare some water in a clean bucket you will be able to use it for changes as you need it.

I would suggest that you purchase a master test kit for freshwater (API make this product) if you haven't done so already so that you can work on balancing your tank once you have your little more comfortable.

Good luck, I'll be thinking of you and your little lotl ☺

 

[drpepper]

Hi

Thanks for your advice!

Just one more point, when you say black tea, i assume you mean tea like you'd find in a teabag...

So if that is the case, how much should you put in per 10 litres of water?

Also, what are the dark pathes around the eyes and gills? Is that just him being really thin and weak?

 

[Kerry M]

Yes it is black tea, the type that you drink. I've never used it but have read somewhere to make it water after removing the chlorine. Others will have answers regarding dosage.

I also can't answer your question related to the dark patches. Hopefully someone with the answers will help.

 

[Petersgirl]

The dark patches are probably areas where blood accumulates under the skin. Don't feel too worried - you normally can't see it as clearly, but as your lotl has paled a bit, you can see the patches. This is basically the blood supply to his/her eyes and gills. It's not a concern, it's normal, you just can't normally see it.

Hope your lotl gets better soon! And don't worry, I made tons of mistakes when I got Toothless. Luckily these lovely people helped me and Toothless has been very forgiving The fact you're doing everything to put it right proves you care.

PS Black tea is, like Kerry said, the kind you would drink, made without milk. The dose is one teabag for 10 litres.