Illness/Sickness: Not eating and gills deteriorating

[lm]

My Axolotl hasn't been eating for almost two weeks. It is normally very active at the sight of any food but will not even flinch with food right in front of his face at the moment.

It's gills have now started to deteriorate.

I have had the water tested and it is all OK.

We had some very hot days just as he stopped eating. Could this have caused it?
Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Skudo09]

What were the readings for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, PH and the exact temperature in the tank? It looks like symptoms of water quality and the receded dorsal fin and bulging eyes suggest she may be trying to morph into a salamander.

 

[lm]

PH is 7.2, temperature is 22. Unsure of exact readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, aquarium shop just said they were all OK.
Is there any way to prevent this?

 

[AxolotlChris]

22 degrees Celsius is too high, you really need to be around 17-18.

You'll need to get the exact readings, either ask the store for the readings or buy yourself this liquid test kit: Welcome to API Fishcare: FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT You can buy this kit off Amazon.
Some pet/aquatic stores only use test strips instead of the liquid test kit, the strips tend to be inaccurate.

It does look like your Axolotl is suffering from Ammonia burn, and high Nitrites.

Put your Axolotl in a separate tub/container of cool dechlorinated water, change this water 100% everyday this will help with healing. Make sure the temperature is not above 20. The closer to 18 degrees the better to help with the healing process.

Have you cycled your tank ??

 

[AxolotlChris]

I take it the tank hasn't been monitored during cycling, your cycle is likely incomplete.

I can see fungus on one of the gills so moving your Axolotl into a separate container will need to be done asap to allow recovery and hopefully the fungus will recede. You can use a cotton bud to try gently brush the fungus off, if it doesn't come loose easily give it a day or so and it should hopefully become looser.

 

[lm]

I believe the tank fully cycled when I first got it ~6 months ago.

It is now in a separate container.

I will go to the shop and get more readings tomorrow

Thank you for your help

 

[AxolotlChris]

The tank wouldn't be cycled when you first got it, it takes 3-6 weeks for a tank to cycle, and to monitor the cycling process you need a test kit like the one I linked above.

Your going to need to read up on cycling as it is vital to your Axolotls health. Understanding the process and how to monitor it will allow you to give your Axolotl the best care and stop these situations arising.

Read these links on water quality and cycling:
Caudata Culture Articles - Water Quality
Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling
Beginner FAQ: The Nitrogen Cycle

If you read these websites information and learn about the cycle of a tank you will keep your Axolotl in good health.

You can always questions if you have any doubts, Good luck