Illness/Sickness: Please help :'(

[havocsdesign]

Within the last two days my axie has refused to eat at all and has began to gulp air much more than usual. He is also struggling to stay on the bottom of his tank because he keeps floating. This is my first axolotl and would be incredibly grateful to anyone who might be able to offer some insight as to what might be wrong.

 

[xxianxx]

Have you checked your temp and water quality ?

 

[Leansgirl]

I would do a water change and add an air stone maybe. Try different foods. Maybe it needs a new treat. Mine always eat frozen bloodworms and i had a male go a few days without eating , then i decided to feed him one of my guppies, he happily ate it up..

 

[havocsdesign]

The temp stays at a pretty constant 62°-64° F and I'm actually going to buy a water testing kit right now. What all should I test for? I know ammonia, nitrite and nitrate but is there anything else?

Thank you for helping me out by the way. I've had my little guy for several months and the sudden problems are scary to say the least.

 

[havocsdesign]

And I have ordered some new food for him and I'm expecting it any day now. I really hope it helps.

 

[LoriML]

I test for ph also. What else do you have in your tank? Is it bare bottom or do you have sand or gravel in it?

 

[havocsdesign]

The little guy seems to be all better now. He's eating again, swimming normally and has gained all of his weight back and then some. I'm not quite sure what exactly was going on but switching food seemed to fix everything.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this post and help me and my little axie out, I really appreciate everyone's help.