Illness/Sickness: HELP!!! Possible Ammonia poisoning?

[Timothy M.]

HELP!!! My axolotl is not eating, and floating up to the surface often. I don’t know what to do. He has very short gills, but has had short gills since we moved him to a 20gal tank which was probably 1 1/2 years ago. I read somewhere that this was because of oxygenated water. In the past few weeks, he hasn’t been eating much, and he as been moving, but lots of floating. Sometimes he hasn’t eaten in the past, but usually just with warm temperatures. I think the problem might be ammonia, because that was the only thing reading higher than 0 (0.25 ppm). Is ammonia the problem? How do I stop it? I’ve heard ammo lock doesn’t work, but what can I do to help him? Should I take him to an emergency vet?

I’ve attached a picture, in case that’s helpful.

Thank you for your advice

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Sorry that you didn't get a timely response. Floofy gills are a sign of good water quality. Yes, ammonia would be the problem here. Tubbing him and fixing the ammonia issue would be good. Hope your little guy is doing better.