Lethargic axl, help

[Deezoo]

Hello. I am new here and I am very worried about my axl. He is about 5 months old and has been fine since I bought him until this week. I have him in a 10 gal with a sponge fitler, at about 66- 70 degrees f. Monday I did a total water change because the tank was dirty and the filter needed cleaning. I used decloranated water and rinsed the filter sponge in the same degree water as instructed so not to kill the bacteria. I put him back in and he seemed stressed, but did eat that day. He ate tues,and today also. But he is not acting like himself. He sits in one spot and doesn't move. Usually when he sees me, he starts swimming fast and wil follow me back and forth when i move. Is he just stressed? Should I not have changed all the water? Only do a partial water change ? I did that in the past but the water still seemed dirty afterwards. I don't have any substrate in the tank either. Only 2 plastic plants. If anyone has advice I would really appreciate it. I am so worried. I have become very attached to him. Thank you.

 

[gfsward]

Sounds like he's fine to me. Axies will usually do that when their resting, as long as he's still following you and eating well I'm pretty sure he'll be ok
Usually partial water changes are a bit better than full ones to avoid some of that stress, but full ones are ok as long as you introduce your axolotl slowly to the new water. Something you can do to keep the water looking clean is investing in a turkey baster and use that to clean out some of the nasty.
A thing to look out for if you decide to do partial water changes though is try to avoid the tank cycling with your axie in it. Cycling can be dangerous and stressful for your axolotl.

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

The problem with doing full water changes is you loose a lot of the good bacteria used to keep your tank healthy. It works best to do 20% water changes weekly, which isn't a lot for a tank of that size and should keep the water clean. Of course you can still take the filter out briefly at any time to give it a rinse. I suspect he may have had a little shock, possibly from the water temp or the sudden change in water quality. If he's eating well he should make a full recovery but in future I'd stick to smaller water changes :happy:

 

[Deezoo]

Thanks so much for the replys. He seems about the same today, still not swimming and active like before. Ate today again. So you reccommend to always remove the axl when cycling the water? Taking him out is less stressfull than leaving him in and removing/adding water? I did take him out when I cleaned the last time because I did a total water change. I will only do partial water changes from now on I think. Another question. How do you introduce him slowly to the new water ? And what kind of filters do you use ? I have a simple sponge filter that the breeder reccommened when I purchased my axl. But I do have another filter in case I need to change. Thanks again. It is great to be able to ask questions about these awesome anaimals.

 

[gfsward]

When cycling the aquarium, yes it's better to do an axie-less cycle because of the amonia and nitrite spikes during the cycling process.
You introduce him slowly by adding some of the new water to his container little by little so he can adjust before you put him back in.
Best of luck! You're doing great.

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

Thanks so much for the replys. He seems about the same today, still not swimming and active like before. Ate today again. So you reccommend to always remove the axl when cycling the water? Taking him out is less stressfull than leaving him in and removing/adding water? I did take him out when I cleaned the last time because I did a total water change. I will only do partial water changes from now on I think. Another question. How do you introduce him slowly to the new water ? And what kind of filters do you use ? I have a simple sponge filter that the breeder reccommened when I purchased my axl. But I do have another filter in case I need to change. Thanks again. It is great to be able to ask questions about these awesome anaimals.

I personally leave my axies in their tanks when I do my 20% which is fine, but it's also fine to take them out. I dechlorinate all my clean water in buckets and let it stand until it becomes the same temp as their tank water. I then what I call "hose feed" (run it from the bucket to the tank with a hose!) the water back into the tank which distributes it slowly. I've never had any problems with this method.
As for filters, sponge is fine as long as you feel its effective at keeping you water clean (like it's meant to!) and it isn't bothering him :happy:

 

[JessKB]

If youve had the tank that long it is already cycled. Most of the beneficial bacteria colonizes the filter media, substrate, decorations, and even the tank walls. Although smaller water changes are better, a large water change won't destroy your cycle. Leave the axolotl in the tank and do more regular weekly or bi-weekly water changes of 20-25%. It is possible your tank is going througj a "mini cycle" if you scrubbed the filter pad too much in combination with the large water change. If you're worried, get a test kit and keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrite levels. Its best to just swish your filter pad in the dirty tank water before you dump it, but just every so often. This keeps it from getting too gunked up. The addition of live plants like anacharis/elodea or duckweed will greatly improve your water quality as they will absorb excess nutrients very fast.

 

[Deezoo]

Thanks again for all the help. I really appreciate it.