Question: Oyster Shells?

[ttamra]

Hey everyone,

I was hoping to get some input about using oyster shells as a way of raising the pH?

My little Ferdinand is having buoyancy issues and I'm wondering if my low pH (6 - 6.5 on the Nutrafin test kit) is stressing him out. The ammonia is 0, nitrite 0.1, and nitrate 5 but I've switched to using Prime which will detoxify the last two. The temperature is between 18 and 19 degrees.

I was also considering fridging. I know when they're young (less than 3 inches, I believe) it's inideal as it will stunt their growth, but if it is a bacteria build up from stress, wouldn't that help out?

Any thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[dragonlady]

Hi,

Because of the calcium content among other things, shells of any kind are a big no no. I don't know that pH would be affecting buoyancy.

When you say he's having buoyancy issues, what do you mean? Little ones tend to float a lot! They're quite silly and look rather clumsy at times, so what exactly are you seeing?

 

[ttamra]

Good to know! I've used shells to balance pH in certain fish tanks with success, but I didn't want to go ahead and drop them in with axolotls before I consulted the wonderful knowledge bank here. Thank you!

His back end floats while he struggles with his front legs to stay on the floor of the tank. This has been going on for about a week now but he's had periods where he seemed to be fine and then others where he's really been struggling. I've moved him out into his own bucket with shallower water so he doesn't have to struggle to keep to the ground for the time being, but I'd really like to try to figure out what's going on and what's the best way to help him out on a more long-term basis.

It may be helpful to note that his tank-mate, Squid, has been totally fine this whole time.

Thanks again for the reply!

 

[Mac Myers]

Just an FYI...some groups that keep sensitive animals worry about the mercury levels in Oyster Shells. It seems like amphibians are pretty sensitive... so this might be, along with Shannon's answer above, another reason to steer clear of Oyster Shells.

 

[dragonlady]

Hi again,

Okay, it is possible Ferdinand might have a little gas bubble, so putting him in shallow water just so his back is covered was a good move. This should clear itself up, just watch his temp in the shallow water. How is he eating?

Another thought, what are you using as substrate?

 

[ttamra]

He'll eat everyday to varying degrees. Not as much as Squid will eat, but he does go for food (frozen blood worms for now) when it's offered.

So, I should keep him in his little bucket for now and make sure the water temperature keeps within 18 - 20 degrees and changing it daily?

Thanks again!

 

[ttamra]

Alright, so Ferdinand is back to his delightful self. The pH is still a concern, but at least it's stable and not fluctuating.

Thanks for the replies you two! I guess I was just playing the role of the doting axie keeper!

 

[ttamra]

Also, sorry! I missed the question about the substrate. It's a bare-bottom tank.