Question: Help! Siphon/gravel vacuum accident!

[kellylillian]

I use a siphon/gravel vacuum to do my daily water changes. The hose popped out of the bucket I use to catch the water. I looked away from the tank to grab the hose to stop the water from pouring on my floor. It maybe had taken me 30 seconds. I use the siphon all the time and have never had a problem. This time my adventurous fearless axie decided to make a quick move and swam up the siphon tube!! Poor baby was stuck inside of it!! He looked like a pink blob I shook the tube and was able to get him out. I'm now so worried about him. I don't see any injuries. He has moved around a tiny bit... But not enough to ease my stress! Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Please do not judge me or try to put me down. This happened by complete accident!

 

[Cloppy]

If he does not have curled ills or a curled tail, (which is a sign of stress in axolotls) and is eating normally, then I think he should be fine. But keep an eye on him for a few days!

 

[Cloppy]

I do not think anyone will judge you. Accidents happen and you where trying to prevent 1000 dollars worth of water damage to your house!

 

[kellylillian]

It was so awful! His gills aren't curled any more than usual. Straight as a rod tail. My poor monster. I was so freaked out when I saw his pink little body in that darn tube!

 

[Cloppy]

He should be fine then.

 

[kellylillian]

I noticed this morning that he has a a few small blood spots on his tail. He did eat an earthworm this morning. He's not as active as usual though.

 

[GalLuvsAxolotls]

He should be Ok! The experience was a bit physically traumatic so I wouldn't be surprised if your axolotl is acting a bit different than usual. Just keep feeding like normal and do you best to maintain really good water quality while he heals.

Accidents happen! I have a cover that I put on the end of my drain tube and somehow it fell off sucking up a fish that then got stuck in the tube! I felt horrible... Fortunately I was able to get the fish out, and he was fine.

 

[Cloppy]

Yeah, It might take him a few days to go back to normal.

 

[kellylillian]

He is almost one hundred percent himself again. It was definitely traumatic for the both of us!! P Ive only had them for a month. I was unaware of the need to cycle! I check my water everyday. Also change 20% everyday. I am so mad at myself for making that rookie mistake. They seem very healthy atleast. It's almost about done cycling though. Thank goodness!