Load of queations

[petsitters123]

Good morning,
So I have two Axolotls albino name Tom and black with no name yet. Got them about four weeks ago with very little info except the lady said very easy as a first time pet for kids. Well I have found this is not true. I also I have never had a fish tank. So I kept them both in a 24 oz mason jar separate. Oh think they are about 3 inch now too. I got a 10 gal tank filled up and put water treatment in it let sit for a day and then but them in it together. Noticed the tank was getting cloudy day later so had the water and high ammonia. Went through three filter system which I was told at first I didn't need. Got the aqua sponge filter and they seemed to be fine but ammonia still high. Started the 50% out and 50% back still high but they seemed fine. Then took the sponge out rinsed the sponge out and now the Tom has a fold in his/her tail. Took them out of tank and they went crazy black was flipping . So just put them back in. Got a 101 whisper filter yesterday but the flow seems high. They are eating fine moments of not getting along and the go a lot in the corners of the tank. Also like they are doing a head butt. Black did loose a leg in from and fingers on the other front leg week or so after I got it. Person said I might of taken off when I was cleaning the jar . They are eating fine and I am giving one ball of frozen blood worms twice a day. I don't have an idea in temp yet as I keep forgetting to get one but know when I put my hand in my hand is very cold.
So any help,thoughts would be great . Thanks

 

[GalLuvsAxolotls]

I am sorry your first venture into axolotls being problematic.

Since you have not had a tank before, you probably do not know about the nitrogen cycle. Maybe start here to learn about it? Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle

Right now you are at the beginning stages of the cycle, biological material breaking down into ammonia. The ammonia is very damaging to your pets. I would recommend doing 50% water changes daily and using Prime to detoxify the ammonia (doesn't remove the ammonia, but makes it less harmful for your pets). The system will eventually grow bacteria that will then convert the ammonia to nitrites, and then from nitrites to nitrates. When you are reading 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and some nitrates, your tank has cycled. For future reference, it is recommended to cycle a tank before adding any residents.

If you keep more than one axolotl in a tank, they will occasionally nip at each other, sometimes getting a leg... The legs can be injured when this happens, but will usually heal without issue as long as the water quality is good and proper nutrition is provided. IMO and FYI, when your two get to be adults you are going to need a larger tank.

I don't know how you tap water is where you live, but I am able to use our tap water treated with Prime for water changes.

Good luck! I really hope you get this figured out!

 

[Brigitte]

I agree with Gal about tank cycling. Once the tank is established it will be easier maintain. I would also add that having a cave or hiding place (or 2) can help your axolotls feel safe and get away from each other when needed. What is the temp in your home? Axolotls prefer colder water, not like tropical fish, so unless your house gets really hot- mid to high 70s or higher your axolotls are fine temp wise.
As far as flow rate on filter, if you aim the flow toward something that can block it, like a big plate sitting on top of a cave that would help. I use a clay pot with a big flat rock on top that can shelter axolotl from flowing water.