Illness/Sickness: Please Help

[jennamorrison]

Hi everybody,
I recently just got my axolotl, and I got him from the pet store. I have been having troubles with his ammonia levels, I switched filters(I have the over the back now)and I even got an insert to control ammonia , got things to put in the water and I clean out the left over food and his poops! The levels still aren't at zero and that really worries me. I just want to make sure that my axolotl ( Kreature) isn't sick. Could someone help me out and tell me if he looks healthy? His gills on one side are shorter then the other and I don't know if that was from the pet store or because he isn't happy. Please help I have attached pictures of Kreature

 

[keiko]

Did you cycle the tank before you brought the axie home? If not, you need to learn about cycling asap. Until the tank is fully cycled you need to do daily water changes in order for your axie to stay healthy.
Your axie looks ok, not the best but that's pretty common with axies that come from pet stores. The shorter gills were probably eaten by a tank mate at some point, nothing dangerous. Main things now are good water parameters and nutritious food to make sure your axie has a long and healthy life.

 

[jennamorrison]

I did cycle his tank before I got him, is there any products I should be putting in his water? Thank you

 

[keiko]

Just a basic water conditioner that removes chlorine is enough, Prime for example. It's best to avoid any extra chemicals since most of them weren't created for amphibians and might cause harm to them.
Just to be on the safe side, you might want to test your tap water for ammonia too if you have a hard time keeping the levels down in your tank despite more frequent water changes.
If you switched filters did you cycle the new one too? Or use the old filter media with all the bacteria in the new filter?
What are all your water parameters at the moment?

 

[Zincubus]

What's the current thinking on having a filter in the tank . I've read that it's best just to have them in undisturbed water ...

 

[mewsie]

What's the current thinking on having a filter in the tank . I've read that it's best just to have them in undisturbed water ...

DEFINITELY run a filter. Axolotls are messy critters, and also filters are great for biological filtration as the media supports the bacteria that use the ammonia and nitrite.

You do, however, want to keep the water flow as low as possible. You can use a spray bar to reduce the flow, and I even wrap silk plants around the spray bar to disperse the flow even more.

 

[Zincubus]

DEFINITELY run a filter. Axolotls are messy critters, and also filters are great for biological filtration as the media supports the bacteria that use the ammonia and nitrite.

You do, however, want to keep the water flow as low as possible. You can use a spray bar to reduce the flow, and I even wrap silk plants around the spray bar to disperse the flow even more.

Thanks ... I've installed a really tiny internal filter and the water looks better all ready

It's only about 4" tall by 2" but it's ideal for small tanks

 

[mewsie]

Thanks ... I've installed a really tiny internal filter and the water looks better all ready

It's only about 4" tall by 2" but it's ideal for small tanks

Excellent, good job!

...Next job is to get a not-small tank (i wish i was joking...!)

If your tank is a little on the small side, ideally you should be looking to expand, as bigger tanks are MUCH easier to maintain good water conditions in. Internal filters can up the temperature some, especially in small spaces, so something to be aware of!