Need help with lethargic axie - now has white tips on gills

[beckyg]

We're in desperate need of help. Please see photos.

Ok, here is the story: About 6 months ago, our axie got really big and lethargic. We took him to the vet and they said he was the biggest axolotl they've ever seen - not just fat, but large in all proportions. We used to feed him one nightcrawler every two days. The vet said to feed him once every 4-5 days, which we've been doing for several months. There has been no change, and in fact he seems worse! Now his gill stalk tips seem to have turned white. He also keeps his mouth open 24/7.

Info:
20 gal tank
temp 62F
ph 7, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate has been really hard to keep under control, but we're working on that with Nitra-Zorb, which works well.
We have some ghost shrimp in there that takes care of a lot of the detritus. I'm sure he eats one now and again.
There are some potted water plants mixed with some fake one (see tank pic)

Because he's so large, we are going to get a bigger tank (30 or 40 gal) to see if that helps, but we're not sure.

Any advice would be super helpful. Thank you!

 

[wolfen]

use 100% holtfreters + 0.2g/l magnesium sulphate in the tank (use 3.5g/l non-iodised salt until all ingredients to make solution are procured), add eyed food to the diet ie.. mysis, brine shrimp, krill, fish etc.. (although there are shrimp in the tank eyed food should be given regularly)
if the weight gain is caused by osmosis there should be improvement using holtfreters (it will also help deal with the gill issue), lack of vitamin A (found in eyed food) can cause organ issues (which can cause fluid retention) as well as a failure to thrive.
although your axolotl will be fine with holtfreters your plants may not be able to cope with the salt level.
for holtfreters info.. Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity

 

[beckyg]

use 100% holtfreters + 0.2g/l magnesium sulphate in the tank (use 3.5g/l non-iodised salt until all ingredients to make solution are procured), add eyed food to the diet ie.. mysis, brine shrimp, krill, fish etc.. (although there are shrimp in the tank eyed food should be given regularly)
if the weight gain is caused by osmosis there should be improvement using holtfreters (it will also help deal with the gill issue), lack of vitamin A (found in eyed food) can cause organ issues (which can cause fluid retention) as well as a failure to thrive.
although your axolotl will be fine with holtfreters your plants may not be able to cope with the salt level.
for holtfreters info.. Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity

Thank you!
What does "eyed food" mean?

 

[beckyg]

Also, how long do I keep the water salty for?

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Also, how long do I keep the water salty for?

Axolotls are comfortably housed in Holtfreter's. The salt solutions wolfen gives aren't harmful and many universities use it to keep their axolotls in.
"Eyed food" means, in the context, food that is high in Vit. A which is good for the vision and eyes
I was going to ask how long your axolotl has had that gill deficiency...maybe he had a condition when you got him too? Anyway, good luck.

 

[beckyg]

Thank you!
The gill thing is relatively new. I only just noticed it yesterday.

 

[beckyg]

Axolotls are comfortably housed in Holtfreter's. The salt solutions wolfen gives aren't harmful and many universities use it to keep their axolotls in.
"Eyed food" means, in the context, food that is high in Vit. A which is good for the vision and eyes
I was going to ask how long your axolotl has had that gill deficiency...maybe he had a condition when you got him too? Anyway, good luck.

Would almond leaves work in conjunction with the salt mixture?

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Thank you!
The gill thing is relatively new. I only just noticed it yesterday.

I meant that the gills look shorter...is he an older axolotl?

 

[beckyg]

I meant that the gills look shorter...is he an older axolotl?

Yes, he's about 5-6 yrs old

 

[wolfen]

Thank you!
What does "eyed food" mean?

eyed food means any food source that has eyes, this is because only eyed animals contain vitamin A which is quite important.

 

[wolfen]

almond leaves will help as the tannins produced are beneficial.
the water salinity will help prevent issues occurring again in the future so it is advantages to use it as a permanent addition.

 

[beckyg]

Just wanted to let you guys know that he's already starting to look and feel better with the salt solution. Thank you so much!!