Worried about axie swimming around top of tank

[benjamin01]

I added my two adult axolotls to their newly cycled 3 ft tank last night. I have two internal filters going 24/7 (slow water output) some hides and a whole lot of silk plants. It took me 2 weeks of 30% water changes to get the high nitrate levels under control, so I’ve been checking water perimeters at least once a day.

Water readings before they went in last night, using API liquid tests.
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10-20ppm
PH- 7
Water temp: 19 degrees Celsius.

All was fine and they were having fun exploring their new tank.

This morning I woke up to my wild type axolotl swimming quite fast around the top of the tank, with his nose pointing out. He wasn’t gulping air from what I could see (though I would think an action like this would suggest this?). I immediately transferred him and his sister (who was showing no signs of stress) to a tub of 17degree Celsius de-chlorinated water that I had sitting overnight in case something was wrong with the water. I then checked the water to find exactly the same readings as last night. I re-checked again, using water from the very bottom of the tank, but there was no difference in the readings.

I then checked how they were doing in the tub of water and my wild type had relaxed and was sitting at the bottom with his sister. A few hours later, now, however he’s half floating on his side. He’s been eating normally up until today, when he refused his worm. His sister took hers without a problem.

I’ve checked the liquid test kit on tap water like I’ve done in the past to make sure it’s working right and all it well with it. Expiry date 2017.

I really believe that he was stressed, but I’m not sure why. 19 degrees is warm, but they’ve been in much warmer water before with no changes to how they act or eat. Does anyone has any experience with an axolotl swimming around the top of the water line, sticking its nose out, but not gasping for air?

I've attached a picture of him. He's had extremely stumpy gills from the time I got him (never buying from a petstore again). But all in all he's usually a very happy and sociable axolotl, and has never done this before so I'm quite worried about him.

 

[PatchworkClocks]

How quick was the transfer from where they were to their new tank? If you do it too quickly, sometimes an axolotl will become stressed from the sudden change. Other than that, I don't have all that much insight on what might be wrong.

 

[benjamin01]

I gradually aclimatised them like you would a fish, by adding tank water to a tub they were in, but maybe I did do it too quickly. When I reintroduce him, I might take a bit more time. Thanks!

Just checked on him and he's stopped floating in the tub. It was a bit worrying for a while watching his wobble from side to side, as he floated on the surface. Going to see if he'll feed now, so fingers crossed. I put his sister back in the tank and she's doing fine.

If anyone has any insight, I'd still love to hear it. I must have done something wrong for him to react that way.


Edit: within the last few minutes he's started floating again. Hopefully it's just a build up of gas and he'll pass it overnight.

 

[benjamin01]

He died during the night. Very upsetting. I was very attached to him.
I followed the cycling guides and constantly checked my water, but there must be something very wrong with whatever is in that tank. It had daily water changes of 30% to get the nitrate under control, but somehow I think there was not enough oxygen in the water.

 

[Mortimer]

I'm so sorry.

 

[layna]

Most filters will provide oxygen and an air stone will too, im sorry for your loss, but i would try to figure out the problem so it doesnt happen to your other axie

 

[SariYappa]

I'm so sorry

 

[benjamin01]

Thanks guys.

I would love to know the problem! I'm going to take a sample of water to my lfs in the next few days. But I've tested the water multiple times and gotten a result of 0ammonia 0nitrite and 10-20nitrate.
I'm thinking of rehoming his sister if I can find someone with a properly cycled tank. But even she has been acting a bit strange the last day or so. I guess she could be mourning the other ones death, I dont know.

It's quite upsetting watching them die, especially when I thought I was doing everything right.