Axolotl i got some pet store seems to be a bit in bad conditions.

[Sakuma]

Have a axotol I got from a pet store. But I noticed after getting her, her fins seemed to be in bad conditions. She also tends to float at the top with her back to her tail more up, sometimes she tilts to the side as well when swimming. I'm unsure what to do. Any help I would appreciate, she is also my first axolotl. I took her out the tank and put her in some shallow water for better pictures/a video I saw that said this might help. She does eat though, and I always clean up her poops.

 

[Sakuma]

Have a axotol I got from a pet store. But I noticed after getting her, her fins seemed to be in bad conditions. She also tends to float at the top with her back to her tail more up, sometimes she tilts to the side as well when swimming. I'm unsure what to do. Any help I would appreciate, she is also my first axolotl. I took her out the tank and put her in some shallow water for better pictures/a video I saw that said this might help. She does eat though, and I always clean up her poops.
View attachment 92382

I do also clean her tank weekly. I've had her for many two weeks so far. As I started to notice these things. I'm unsure how old she is but she's quite small. Maybe a juvenile.

 

[wolfen]

was you tank cycled before hand (yes, I know it's the classic question but it helps to know all the details)
what are the tank parameters/levels.
floating is caused by trapped gas, this can be caused by anything from gulping at the surface to slight constipation, if it is from gasping at the surface then it can be caused by lack of water oxygenation or bad water parameters, if it is caused by constipation then a change of diet may be required.
always make sure that there is an air-stone in the water with your axolotl.
make sure the the water is cold 15°c - 18°c no more than 20°c and not for a prolonged period.
have the water in the tub shallow enough that his/her feet touch the ground but the axolotl is covered.
always clean the tub thoroughly so there is no bacteria build up, change the water every 24hrs whilst tubbed.
look into using holtfreters solution to prevent any fungus issues and to make sure the water has the correct salts and minerals for your axolotl.
the gills are showing slight damage and possible start of fungus.
axolotls swim strange anyway as they don't have a swim bladder.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

While I second what wolfen said, I would also like to inquire about the conditions she was in when you acquired her at the pet store. If you can, contact the pet store she came from as much as possible about the conditions she was kept in and the normal conditions they keep their Axolotls in. This may be a husbandry error on their part, not necessarily on yours.

 

[Sakuma]

Ah, okay thank you! I appreciate it. And I do not think my tank was cycled beforehand. I am buying the things I need for her right now! ^^
I bought some test strips and so, and a better air stone. I am going to try and contact the store tomorrow about it. And yes, I made sure her feet were touching the ground. Is there also anything else I can do to help with her fins? Should I give her a tea bath to help? And I for sure will start looking into holtfreters.

 

[Covey]

Pet stores are know for not keeping their animals in best condition...so its an error on their part not yours

 

[Sakuma]

Pet stores are know for not keeping their animals in best condition...so its an error on their part not yours

Agreed. Thank you, I'm gonna work on getting her all healthy again.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Ah, okay thank you! I appreciate it. And I do not think my tank was cycled beforehand. I am buying the things I need for her right now! ^^
I bought some test strips and so, and a better air stone. I am going to try and contact the store tomorrow about it. And yes, I made sure her feet were touching the ground. Is there also anything else I can do to help with her fins? Should I give her a tea bath to help? And I for sure will start looking into holtfreters.

Right now, just keep her tubbed in dechlorinated water. You can use a water conditioner. SeaChem Prime is number one recommended by the aquarium community and is 100% safe for axolotls. TertaFauna AquaSafe is another one specifically designed for reptiles and amphibians (including salamanders!), not to be confused with their other product, Tetra AquaSafe which is exclusively for fish and contains aloe vera which can be harmful to amphibians.

As long as you keep up with 100% daily water changes in her current tub situation, use two tubs (one for cleaning, the other for housing and swap), and it's got a good lid on it and a hiding place and an airstone, she should be good there until the tank finishes cycling. Best wishes to your axolotl. And definitely check on how the pet store treated her prior to your acquiring her, as she may have some health issues from there too.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

I do also clean her tank weekly. I've had her for many two weeks so far. As I started to notice these things. I'm unsure how old she is but she's quite small. Maybe a juvenile.

Sexually mature adults size in at 6-18 inches. She may be on a smaller size for an adult (at least 18 months) as she looks gravid in the video. Gravidness is nothing to worry about for a female. Just means she's fertile.

 

[wolfen]

Ah, okay thank you! I appreciate it. And I do not think my tank was cycled beforehand. I am buying the things I need for her right now! ^^
I bought some test strips and so, and a better air stone. I am going to try and contact the store tomorrow about it. And yes, I made sure her feet were touching the ground. Is there also anything else I can do to help with her fins? Should I give her a tea bath to help? And I for sure will start looking into holtfreters.

you need to get liquid tests rather than test strips as test strips aren't accurate enough plus most test strips don't test ammonia and have to be brought separately.
make sure that you read up on how to cycle the tank properly.
make sure the filter you are using for the tank is big enough.
tea baths are fine and will help.

 

[Covey]

you need to get liquid tests rather than test strips as test strips aren't accurate enough plus most test strips don't test ammonia and have to be brought separately.
make sure that you read up on how to cycle the tank properly.
make sure the filter you are using for the tank is big enough.
tea baths are fine and will help.

I've seen in many threads how people have test strips rather than liquid tests like api. It's kinda annoying, as when i point out when they need to get a liquid test they kinda ignore my advice.

 

[Sakuma]

I've seen in many threads how people have test strips rather than liquid tests like api. It's kinda annoying, as when i point out when they need to get a liquid test they kinda ignore my advice.

I already corrected myself and ordered a ordered a liquid test. But thank you.

 

[Covey]

I already corrected myself and ordered a ordered a liquid test. But thank you.

Haha its ok, sometimes i get kinda frustrated so i always try to be calm. Anyways, its great you got a liquid test kit, hopefully no offense to you

 

[Sakuma]

Haha its ok, sometimes i get kinda frustrated so i always try to be calm. Anyways, its great you got a liquid test kit, hopefully no offense to you

Mhm, understandable. And none taken.
I appreciate your guys advice and help

 

[wolfen]

I've seen in many threads how people have test strips rather than liquid tests like api. It's kinda annoying, as when i point out when they need to get a liquid test they kinda ignore my advice.

I use both, the liquid tests to do a full check every month and the strip tests done weekly, ammonia liquid test done fortnightly. strip tests are useful but when cycling or if there are water issues it's always best to use liquid testing.