Potentially sick axy, plants dying

[Della]

Hi all,

Just a quick question that may be explained by paranoia on my part more than an actual problem. In the last couple of months, two of my well established plants in my tank have died (both anubias). The leaves started going pale and eventually died and some look like they have been eaten by something. In the same time, my axolotl has lost weight (noticeable but not drastic) and her gills have deteriorated somewhat.
There has been some slight behavioural changes but she's eating well.

Could the 2 be linked and should I be worried??

Cheers

Paul

 

[axowattyl]

Seriously sounds like ammonia buildup?

Maybe a daily 50% water change with conditioned or dechlorinated water to begin with?

Do you have a test kit?

A siphon type vac that picks up all the poo would be a good addition to the tool kit.

Without lighting (which axies don't like) the plants could just die, so it may be unrelated.

Hope this helps.

 

[Elise]

They could be unrelated.

What are you water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, temperature).
Could you include some images of your axolotl, your tank, and the plants?
Have you been adding any fertilizers or chemicals to the tank at all?
What do you feed your axolotl?
When was your last water change?


This doesn't sound like an issue with light unless there was possibly too much light. Anubias and axolotls favor a low light environment.

 

[Della]

Thanks for the replies guys! See attached pics

Tested the water this morning:
Ammonia - 0.25ppm
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 10ppm
pH- 6.8
Temp- 16.4deg C

Changed the water 8 days ago. Generally change around 30% every fortnight (16litres).

She eats pallets mainly, but I feed her earthworms every 3-4feeds. She gets fed 2-3 times per week, 10 pallets or 2-3 worms. This has generally kept her weight relatively stable (I try to keep her stomach about as wide as her head, you can see by the attached pics that she's a little down)

Her gills are usually much more impressive too

I thought it may be light issues, as the tank is in a corner with not much direct light, but I chose anubias for that very reason. It seems that the anubias nana have been most effected, while the barteri seems ok (not sure if this is relevant?). I've never used fertilisers ect.

Could the ammonia or pH be causing the issues?

At this stage, I'm thinking of doing a 50% water change and giving the tank a good clean, as well as adding an extra feed per week. Any other suggestions??

Cheers

Paul

 

[Della]

Sorry, images didn't all upload for some reason

 

[Della]

And again!! Sorry!

 

[layna]

Dont scrub the tank ect, this will potentially remove and 'good bacteria' you are growing!

Just do daily 10% changes until your tank has cycled, because with an ammonia reading, it isnt cycled.
The ammonia could be affecting your plants but its hard to tell really. Id also make the earthworms her main diet, with the pellets filling in the gaps. Earthworms are nutritionally the best for her

 

[Della]

Thanks Layna!!

I didn't go overboard on the cleaning. I should have mentioned, the tank has been established for a good 5 years!! So not sure why the ammonia may have spiked!!

 

[NexSocius]

If your water has only just spiked out of nowhere, check with your water company to see if they have switched to using chloramines. I've heard a few towns have switched, and I believe this can affect your ammonia reading :happy:

 

[Elise]

Just as a side question, I noticed your axolotl has a few black spots. Have these been growing steadily or have they been increasing in size and number more frequently as of late?

I ask because they don't seem common and I remember reading a post of another axolotl who had something similar: Black spot on my axolotls head and its growing ( very slowly).

 

[HayleyK]

I also see gravel in the pictures... Is that in its tank or a separate tank? If it is in your axolotl tank I would remove it as it can potentially be fatal to them. Hope your little buddy is improving!

 

[Della]

Thanks for the feedback guys


Nexsocius- thanks, I'll check and see if the water company changed.

Elise- the spots have been there for quite some time. She has quite a few of them all over her body, including a huge one on her neck. They seem very flat and not raised and haven't changed much since appearing. I'll keep an eye on them though to monitor any changes (size, height, shape, ect...). Thanks!!


Hayleykahnita- no gravel, just my realistic background!!

Cheers