Repeated gulping?

[jett862]

Thanks in advance -- looking to get some advice on one of my juvies.

The axolotl in question opted not to eat today and spent the entirety of the day in a hide spot. The concerning part is that when I have seen him, he "gulps" water repeatedly (not air, but he'll be at the bottom of the tank and just suck as much water as he can from above him four or five times. He's responsive, but the gulping/drinking is odd. Any insight is appreciated.

I haven't had the opportunity to test the water, but I had cycled it weeks in advance -- there were a number of ghost shrimp in the water (for the better part of two months now) and they're all doing fine, so I'm not sure it's water quality. I've ordered a test kit and can answer that definitively this Wednesday.

The three juvies have been in the tank for about two months now, planted tank with sand substrate. I do water replacements as I siphon poo/ uneaten food out of the tank.

Thank you.

Image of said axo: http://imgur.com/dKw6oZq

 

[Bette]

His belly looks swollen. He may be ingesting the substrate when eating, which could cause an impaction. Do a water change, feed him in a feeding jar or take out the substrate. Young axies should be in a bare bottom tank. That's good that you are getting a test kit. You definitely need to test the water frequently, especially when you are cycling the tank.

 

[jett862]

What are your thoughts on fridging him until the bloat/impaction passes?

The other two axolotls are capable of eating off tweezers, but I can definitely look into the feeding jar (I imagine a baby food jar?)

 

[Bette]

What are your thoughts on fridging him until the bloat/impaction passes?

The other two axolotls are capable of eating off tweezers, but I can definitely look into the feeding jar (I imagine a baby food jar?)

Well, as long as you are careful for him not to ingest anymore substrate(what type is it btw?), I would advise to leave him in his tank for now anyway.
Use a jar large enough for his whole body to fit inside.Feed foods that will pass easily through the digestive system, like nightcrawlers or frozen blood worms.
Keep water quality impeccable. Please keep us updated!

 

[jett862]

Thanks for all the advice Bette; the substrate is fine aquarium sand, and I've been feeding them blood worms.

I did a 30% water change and double checked the axolotl, he's responsive but not really moving. Additionally, he has a milky/stringy substance hanging around his anus -- looks almost like a spiders web -- I have to imagine that this backs up the idea of constipation.

He's still bloated, but he doesn't appear any worse.

 

[Bette]

I'm glad to be of help
Is your axie eating currently?

 

[jett862]

Thanks again!

Looks like he's recovered somewhat: imgur: the simple image sharer

He hadn't eaten for the better part of three days, but he started eating again yesterday.

Additionally, I got about halfway through testing the water. PH is ~7.2, and Ammonia is somewhere between 0 and .25 ppm.

 

[Cacique]

Glad your axolotl is doing better. The PH looks good and the ammonia is starting to rise. In case you didn't know, you would want to aim for 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and under 40ppm of nitrates.

Thanks for the update, hope he gets fully recovered soon!

 

[jett862]

Thanks for the advice -- I'll keep an eye on the ammonia. Honestly, I can't differentiate the colors between 0 and .25ppm on the water-testing kit, but that's probably a personal failure

As a related question, I find myself painstakingly doing water changes via a bria filter, as the local water is chlorinated and quite hard (I'm renting this apartment). What would be the most cost/time effective method to deal with this?

 

[Bette]

Thanks for the advice -- I'll keep an eye on the ammonia. Honestly, I can't differentiate the colors between 0 and .25ppm on the water-testing kit, but that's probably a personal failure

As a related question, I find myself painstakingly doing water changes via a bria filter, as the local water is chlorinated and quite hard (I'm renting this apartment). What would be the most cost/time effective method to deal with this?

It is hard to read the subtle differences between the colors on some of those test kits!:bowl:
Hard water shouldn't be a problem. I would just treat the water with seachem Prime and not worry! :happy:

 

[Bette]

Thanks again!

Looks like he's recovered somewhat: imgur: the simple image sharer

He hadn't eaten for the better part of three days, but he started eating again yesterday.

Additionally, I got about halfway through testing the water. PH is ~7.2, and Ammonia is somewhere between 0 and .25 ppm.

He looks good now!