Possible fungus on my juvie, low appetite?

[Xxsadi]

I've had two juvenile axolotls for the past two months, for a while my water parameters have been slightly off but after doing daily water changes they're testing fine except for a small amount of ammonia (.25), my water can run a little warm, typically 66-69F which I know isn't ideal and I've heard can allow fungus to grow? Anyway, my wild type hasn't been eating nearly as much the past few days, she will eat a small amount of food and then turn away, I've also noticed a small white patch on her head. I'm not sure if this is just part of her coloration or if it could be fungus, she mostly hangs out in her hide or plant, but I'll upload a pic as soon as I get a clear one. If it is fungus what should I do to treat her? My other axolotls seems fine and is eating plenty.

 

[Xxsadi]

Finally got a picture of her while she was in her plant, sorry about the camera quality, I only have a phone but I figured it's better than nothing

 

[AxolotlChris]

The photo looks like there's a white dot at the very top of the head, near enough on the gills which could be the start of fungus. Would need a close image to be sure.

Did you cycle your tank? Can you post all your water parameters? and what kit do you use to test?

The temp isn't bad really and shouldn't be causing the current issue, as long as it doesn't go over 20-22 Celsius.

 

[Xxsadi]

Hi, thank you for your response!

The white dot is what I'm worried about, I haven't ever noticed it before, thought maybe it could be an odd coloration bc she has changed a lot since I got her but her appetite hasn't been as high as usual. I tried seeing if she would eat some red wrigglers but I think that put her even more off accepting food from me, they did not like those at all so they are back eating bloodworms and bbs.

I do cycle my tank, but I think switching to slate from sand messed up my cycle. For a while I was doing daily water changes, and it seemed to go back to normal, but I just did a test and they're off again so I'll probably have to go back to changing the water more frequently. :/

Perameters are .25 nitrites, .25 ammonia and the pH is 7.0. I didn't test the nitrates today because they haven't been showing up at all, nitrites have been my main problem so far I think? I use a liquid test kit, not sure of the brand but I can post the info later. I'll see if my boyfriend can let me borrow his camera for some higher quality pictures of her little spot.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Doesn't sound like your tank is cycled if you have no Nitrates.

There shouldn't be readings of ammonia and nitrites and then no nitrates.

Your Axolotls waste and old food creates ammonia. A cycle is the process where good bacteria converts ammonia into nitrites then a second type of bacteria turns the nitrites into nitrates. Nitrates are less harmful not as lethal as ammonia and nitrites.

Read this guide on the process of cycling, it's highly important to use this to keep your water quality safe otherwise your Axolotl have a higher chance of fungle infections. Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling

If this white dot is fungus then it is probably due to the water quality. It may well be worth removing your Axolotl until the tank is cycled. You can keep him in a separate tub with clean dechlorinated water everyday.

Read this website too, valuable information on how to care for your Axolotl: Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger Salamander

 

[Xxsadi]

Well damn that's not something I wanted to hear, I thought I had gotten my tank to where I needed to be but I guess not. Will I be able to leave her in the tank if I go back to daily water changes or would that make the fungus worse if that's what it is? I'm hesitant to put her in a container bc I have cats who I can never keep out of anything. Thank you for the links! I'm sure there's still plenty I need to learn