Infection? First time and worried

[StillLearning]

Hello!

My son has an axolotl that’s about 8 months old. She or he has been very happy and eating really well. Last night before bed I noticed a white spot on her gill that was still there this morning. I tried to research but websites are so extreme and don’t seem to help very much. Can you please tell me what this likely is and the best course of treatment? A picture and the water parameters are below. I do weekly water changes on Sunday and am concerned maybe something like a temperature issue with the new water caused stress. We care about her and hope we can get her healed.

The water specs are below. All was tested with API kits (not strips):

PH: 8
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 20
KH: 161
GH: 89.5 (I know it’s a bit low)
Water temp: 65.8 (in basement with steady temp)

Tank details:
29 gallon tank
Sole inhabitant
No live plants
Fluval 207 filter with spray bar + foam on output
Small airstone

This is what is concerning me:

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer!
Scott

 

[wolfen]

your axolotl has gill fungus, this can be treated in the tank by increasing the salinity, add 3.5g/l non-iodised salt into the tank, once the fungus has gone reduce the salinity to 2g/l this will act as a preventative against further fungal infections, adding 0.025g/l potassium chloride and 0.1g/l magnesium sulphate will improve the gh level whilst also providing essential minerals.

 

[StillLearning]

your axolotl has gill fungus, this can be treated in the tank by increasing the salinity, add 3.5g/l non-iodised salt into the tank, once the fungus has gone reduce the salinity to 2g/l this will act as a preventative against further fungal infections, adding 0.025g/l potassium chloride and 0.1g/l magnesium sulphate will improve the gh level whilst also providing essential minerals.

Thank you so much!! This is very very helpful!

 

[frogenjoyer]

Thank you so much!! This is very very helpful!

Hello @StillLearning and @wolfen , I am having the same issue, but on my axolotl's foot. My nitrates are a bit higher; how often do I add the 381 g of non-iodized salt to my 29-gallon aquarium? I noticed her behavior was changing and she was intentionally floating (taking in air and hanging near the surface - burping and floating to the bottom later) so I tested the water and my parameters were mostly good except nitrates but I noticed some fungus on her foot and discoloration of toes. Let me know.

 

[frogenjoyer]

What is the benefit of doing this in the tank vs in a tub also? Let me know @wolfen

 

[wolfen]

Hello @StillLearning and @wolfen , I am having the same issue, but on my axolotl's foot. My nitrates are a bit higher; how often do I add the 381 g of non-iodized salt to my 29-gallon aquarium? I noticed her behavior was changing and she was intentionally floating (taking in air and hanging near the surface - burping and floating to the bottom later) so I tested the water and my parameters were mostly good except nitrates but I noticed some fungus on her foot and discoloration of toes. Let me know.

the amount of salt you are using is equal to the amount used in 100% holtfreters so the answer for how long to use at the levels it's at is until the fungus has gone, once the fungus has cleared the salt can be reduced to 2g/l, this will then act as a preventative and also to make the water more suitable for axolotls.
if the fungus is actually mold then additional methyline blue baths, there has been some concern towards bacteria growing in plastic containers, use glass/pyrex/ceramic tubs if possible.
as to adding salt to tank rather than tub, adding salt to the tank is unlikely to affect the bacterial filtration unlike medications such as methyline blue which can destroy it, also because axolotls are slight brackish (slight because the salt level is very low) it makes the water more compatible for axolotls, plus by adding to the tank it is less stressful than having to keep handling the axolotl, an axolotl will still be happy in higher levels such as ARS (amphibian ringers solution) which is 6g/l.
always make sure the water contains an air-stone to provide adequate oxygenation, even in water containing oxygen axolotls will still take the odd air gulp and is quite normal, the concern is if the axolotl is continuously gasping or panic floating where the axolotl is unable to get to the bottom.