Help with fridging

[Justtiffy]

I think I need to fridge my poor axl... his floating is getting worse and I can’t seem to get the nitrates in my tank under control...he’s very stressed and I’m super worried. How do I change the water daily without moving him a bunch and causing more stress?? Also will a net work in a small container and aren’t hands bad for them??

 

[Hayleyy]

Here's the in depth fridging guide: https://www.caudata.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85263
Fridging is usually the fix for floating, so hopefully it helps! Also it'll keep your axie safe while you get the nitrates under control.
Have 2 tubs for fridging. He will be in one for a day, then the next day set up the new tub (keep dechlorinated water in the same fridge so it's the same temp) and pop him in. Then you can clean the first tub ready for the next day.
A super fine net is probably the best way to transport axies, but I personally find it easier using my hands (sanitised). It does depend on the axolotl as well. My wildtype is fine with me using my hands but my copper doesn't like it so I use a net with him. As long as your hands are super clean (any parts going in the water needs to be sanitised), you're gentle and using both hands it's okay. You want to especially watch for their gills. If you're not comfortable using your hands then a net is great!

 

[Justtiffy]

He snuggled right into my daughters hands when she moved him it was actually really cute!!! I’m feeling better about everything!!!

 

[Justtiffy]

So I fought and fought with my fridge and have it turned as warm as possible but this morning his water was at 40 degrees. Is this too cold? What else can I do? I am at such a loss

 

[Justtiffy]

OK- I need some major help here.. I had my daughter test the fridge container water after school and now its at 35.... there is definitely something strange with my fridge but any time i mess with it it freezes and gets too cold.. i dont know what to do except put him back in the tank! im so worried!!! just tested the tank perimeters.. temp and levels are good.. should i just re-acclimate him??

 

[Justtiffy]

he doesnt seem to be floating anymore and passed 2 seperate brown blobs....

 

[Hayleyy]

Those temps are super low, but it seemed to have worked so you don't need to fridge now. I still wouldn't put him in the tank but you can keep him in a tub and change that water daily (100%, just have a second tub to switch between each day). Make sure the top is covered so the axolotl doesn't jump out. It's fine to keep an axolotl tubbed while fixing the tank