Help needed for a wounded axolotl

S

sarah

Guest
I put an algae eater in the tank with my Axolotl. For a while everything was fine; however, last night I discovered small spots where the algae eater had 'sucked' on my Axolotl's tail! The skin is off and I am very worried. Can anyone give me any advice? Other than remove the fish, which I have already done. Today, the skin around the wounds appear to have become white and stringy?!
Also, can someone please tell me how to give him a salt bath (if I should do this)?
 
What kind of algae eater was it? I'm not exactly sure what you mean by the wound appears to be white and stringy. Is the skin just falling off and going through the process of regenerating or is there fungus on it or has it become infected or what? Well if a salt bath is necessary this is how to do it:
Put 2 liters of water and 2 - 3 teaspoons of salt. You should do it probably about twice a day in the morning and at night. If it is a fungus you should also put him in the refrigerator to slow down his system and help his body fight the fungus. However, I am not sure what it is, so try to post up some pictures so we can see. Not sure if you should do a salt bath. I would wait on someone more experienced to give you further advice.
 
I'm not sure what kind of algae eater it was, I just thought it would help fight algae (which I read now, algae can be good). I'm also not sure how to describe the stringy white falling skin. I will attempt to upload some pictures and let you all determine what I should do! I'm clueless. Before this I was changing the entire tank of water every week, I have never checked his water, I guess I was an extremely bad owner!
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Poor Sammy!
 
One more thing, since this happened, I have not changed the water. Shaould I do this or leave it alone? How do I do a 20% water change?
 
Well make sure that you are using something that is dechlorinating the water. Use tap water, not bottled water of any kind. Axolotls like hard water. But if you are going to put him in the tank uncycled you should do 20% water changes once a day. I have a 10gallon tank with my axolotl in it. What I do is I get a large pitcher and I fill it completely full with water in his tank, poor it out, and I fill it back up with fresh water (with decholorinator in it). Also make sure you have a filter on your tank. If there is an algae problem in your tank (like lots of it growing very quickly) you may be overfeeding. To fight algae the safest way besides just routine maintanance would be to put in some live plants. But work on getting those pictures up.
 
I am obviously no whiz with techbology. I have a few pictures taken, but will the flash from the digital camera upset the axolotl? Also, I cab't seem to zoom in with enough clarity to show the spots...well, you can see the spots, but not the white stringy material. I am SO upset, I don't what to do! I don't think I would worry so much about the algae in the tank now as I would the 'stuff' (which floats if stirred, but sinks after a while) that accumulates in the bottom of the tank under the rocks.
 
Sarah, how big is the tank? If you have been changing the whole tank of water, this may have compromised the cycling. If on the other hand, your axie has been in the tank for a few months, this may have balanced things off a bit.
A 20% water change is just removing 20% of the water, leaving the rest of the water in there and adding fresh, dechlorinated water to top it back up.

I would suggest that you take a water sample to your local pet/aquarium shop and get them to test it for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Check pH also. (this is if you don't have your own test kits)

I would do the salt baths as a precaution - one in the morning, one in the evening. Make sure the salt is fully dissolved. Aquarium salt is the best thing to use for these. While you check out the water quality, it might be a good idea to keep your axie in the fridge in fresh, dechlorinated water. If you do this, remember to have the salt bath water you will be using at the same refrigerated temp as your axie is sitting in.

And post pics of the axies condition.
 
I have problems with digital cameras as well lol. But I'm not sure how a flash will effect the axie. I know I've seen pictures on here before with flashes, so I know people have done it. As far as the focusing up close change the settings on the camera to the one that picks up details, probably a flower or a face picture I think.
 
See, I'm so upset, I can't type...that should be a can't not a cab't and I shoudl have ended with this question...Will that 'stuff' in the bottom of the tank cause the wounds to become infected? And, how will I know if it is infected or has a fungus? The algae eater was this type also: Hypostomus plecostomus or a Common Pleco/Suckermouth Catfish this website will let you view the fish:
http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_pleco2.php
 
So, with the salt baths and placing him in the fridge, it is alright (won't harm him) to move him this often? Should I move him using a large net or my hands? Man, I thought I was doing so good for 2 years and to find out, I have been really bad to him for so long! I am purchasing a test kit and aquarium salt tomorrow. Have you heard of or used Aquarium Pharmaceutical's Stress Coat? Someone suggested this on a website b/c it contains aloe and would not hurt Sammy, but would enhance the 'slimy' coat he has.
 
Yea plecos often give "hickies" to other fish and stuff. Well just calm down, axolotls are pretty hardy animals. If you have a plastic bowl or something you could put water in and put in the axolotl for now that would be good. Listen to Anne-Marie, she knows what she is talking about. It is probably just a wound that will heal. Axies can regenerate skin and even appendages so it probably is something that would happen regularly in the wild so just stay calm and don't freak out. This is what I would do, put the axie in a small holding tank for now. Then as soon as you can go by a pet store tomorrow and get some aquarium salt. Ask the store and they will probably know. The kind I use is caled "Doc Wellfish's Aquarium Salt" it looks like it is in a milk carton. You can get the small one which is all you need for a couple bucks. then When you get it just pop him in it for about 10 mins (no longer than that or you'll be doing more damage). Is your axie acting fine?
 
Actually aloe is poisoness to amphibians. However, I have heard of people using this for axies and it is good as long as used appropriately. I wouldn't bother with it right now though. You don't have to buy a test kit because most pet stores will test your water for free, but it is suggested to get one. I usually just have ammonia test kit on hand because that tends to be the largest problem I have in my tank. Just make sure you get (if you don't have) a good dechlorinator.
 
Thanks Grant
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. Sarah, axolotls are pretty hardy little things - if you have kept him for 2 years under the conditions you describe he's probably used to em now. I prefer to pick my axies up in my hands - one supporting under the neck, the other supporting just in front of the back legs - Make sure you don't have any ragged nail ends though.

I have used Stress Coat before - not often but there doesn't seem to be any harm in it. I can't recall tho if this can dechlorinate the water as well, or if you will need to get a conditioner separately.

I think your axie should be ok from what you have described, but as a precaution, try the baths and fridge treatment for a couple of days.
 
Stress coat doesn't dechloranate the water. It's something you might want to get later after this is all sorted out. But as far as picking him up, I always corner him with both hands coming in opposite directions, one by his tail and one by his head and just scoop him up and keep him supported. Do this so that he doesn't freak out when you start to lift him and run into his tank and stuff. Oh and by the way Anne-Marie can you take a look at my post in "sick Axie" called "Filter Issue"
 
He is acting just as he usually does; however, his tail is curled a bit at the end. As long as you both think he will be alright if I change him to a smaller bowl and place him in the fridge, I will do that. My only fear is that he will 'jump' out of the bowl and stay loose is the fridge. I am such a worry wart!
 
OK, keeping him in the fridge over night won't hurt him either? How about if his usual water temp is about 70 (I know now that is too high
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No that is fine. I keep mine at around 65-70. Just don't let it go above that. And you don't have one of those freezing cold fridges do you? Just wondering because I've seen ones that make stuff get icy.
 
As for jumping out of the bowl, he probably wont be doing much of anything as his metabolism will be slowed down. Cover with a towel or something, as most fridges have lights which click on when the door is opened, this could scare him.
 
Oh wow! You all are such great help!! One last question. Since it is 12:00 am my time, I can't go to the store and get the salts. Would I be better off leaving him alone for the night and starting off fresh tomorrow afternoon (when I can get the salts) with a salt bath, then put him in the fridge?
 
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