Nagging gill worry...

[benh]

Hi.
Apologies for starting a new topic about this, but I have an urgent question about 'blinking gills' - I looked in similar threads, but wanted more answers.

My Axolotl Colin blinks his gills all the time pretty much... sometimes, but not always, as much as twice every 10 seconds. Since this is my 1st Axolotl (only had him a week or so), I assumed this was normal behaviour? Reading some of the other posts on here about flicking of gills, I'm now worried It's a sign there's a problem with my water...
He otherwise looks in pretty good nick. His gills aren't pointing forwards, his tails nice and straight, and he seems pretty chilled. I've watched him take a gulp of air a handful of times, but I think people have mentioned this is normal?

My tank has some elodea floating in the top, two Marimo moss balls (only small) and another small leafy plant in a pot. I have a small internal filter with a spray bar. I tested my waters ph, and it is around 7 or 8. I currently have him in my bedroom upstairs where the temperature is usually around 21/22 C - but I'm moving back into a student house soon, where my room will be downstairs, so hopefully this will mean it's a little cooler.

I'm sorry for posting so many "noob" questions recently, lol. Hopefully I'll be in a position to give others advice some day, rather than bombarding you all with paranoid queries!
Thanks again people!

 

[Darkmaverick]

Two gill flicks per 10 seconds and surfacing for air is quite normal. I wouldn't worry about it.

Very frequent gill flicks (a gill flick every second or two) is a cause of worry as that can indicate anything from hypoxia (lack oxygen) to severe pain. Axies demonstrate pain by very frequent gill flicks, writhing movements or opening and closing their mouths (like a silent scream).

 

[benh]

Thanks a lot Rayson!
Axolotl related worry now over

 

[melfly]

opening and closing their mouths (like a silent scream).

I found that quite chilling lol.
Silent scream!! haha