I know axolotls like higher pH and harder water but what are some key signs that the hardness or pH is off? I know with ammonia/nitrites they can become very irritated looking/red, disappearing gills etc. but I've never known what to look out for with my pH and hardness.
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Axolotls are illegal in California. Please read this thread for detailed information and links to the actual laws: https://www.caudata.org/threads/axolotls-are-illegal-in-california-here-are-the-relevant-laws.30779/
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Symptoms of wrong pH
- Thread starter HayleyK
- Start date
so pH range for axies is from about 6.5-8.0. the preffered pH is 7.4-7.6 so unless for some reason in ur area is really acidic or basic i dont think anyone should have to mess with their pH.
the hardness of the water is a factor but i was told that its not a serious problem either way. salts u add to harden the water will make the water more basic as well so keep tht in mind.
i dont think u should have to mess with ur water too much other than adding the dechlorinator unless for some reason the pH is really off. a reason for messed up pH can usually be high levels of ammonia, nitrites, Cl- etc. so pH usually is not the problem but an indicator/symptom of the actual issue. its still important to do regular pH level checks. i would not recommend putting in chemicals to change ur pH, apparently axolotls pretty much absorb whtever is in the water through their skin. so nothing tht is unnecessary. it makes sense if u think about it i guess, most amphibians can breath through their skin as well as their lungs.
as for ur original question, i have not come across specific readings on symptoms of wrong pH so unfortunately i cant refer u to or quote anything. i would just keep an eye out for irregular behavior. after having ur axolotl for a while if u are observant u notice patterns, if there is break from the pattern sometimes tht can be a sign of something bad.
the hardness of the water is a factor but i was told that its not a serious problem either way. salts u add to harden the water will make the water more basic as well so keep tht in mind.
i dont think u should have to mess with ur water too much other than adding the dechlorinator unless for some reason the pH is really off. a reason for messed up pH can usually be high levels of ammonia, nitrites, Cl- etc. so pH usually is not the problem but an indicator/symptom of the actual issue. its still important to do regular pH level checks. i would not recommend putting in chemicals to change ur pH, apparently axolotls pretty much absorb whtever is in the water through their skin. so nothing tht is unnecessary. it makes sense if u think about it i guess, most amphibians can breath through their skin as well as their lungs.
as for ur original question, i have not come across specific readings on symptoms of wrong pH so unfortunately i cant refer u to or quote anything. i would just keep an eye out for irregular behavior. after having ur axolotl for a while if u are observant u notice patterns, if there is break from the pattern sometimes tht can be a sign of something bad.
In addition to what Boomsloth posted, low pH can also mess with the nitrogen cycle; the bacteria will slow down, and eventually stop, processing wastes. Nitrification is an acidifying process, and water hardness is a buffer that slows the pH swing; the softer the water, the sooner its pH will drop.
None of my axolotls are sick, they're all healthy and happy I was just curious 
So in softer water axolotls become anemic, what about a low ph reading? Do they get irritated, so does their skin slough off or..?
So in softer water axolotls become anemic, what about a low ph reading? Do they get irritated, so does their skin slough off or..?