Thoughts on this article and recs for treating nitrite toxicosis?

[Axilottaquestions]

This was a 2015 small animal veterinary conference and their recommendations for axolotl care. Wondering what the experienced folks think of this? In particular I'm looking at their recommendation that if there was a nitrate spike, to add Methylene blue directly to the water, increase salinity and ph... I've never seen people recommend anything but a temp M.Blue bath sometimes, so wondering if these things are still recommended? Thanks in advance!


(from the article)
The relationship between total nitrite and unionised forms such as nitrous acid (HNO2) is inversely pH dependent. Both nitrite and nitrous acid are toxic, but nitrous acid is more harmful. This explains why nitrite is more toxic in acidic water. It is also more toxic in soft water, at higher temperatures and in lower salinity.

Nitrite toxicosis is addressed by withdrawing food, followed by multiple, large, partial water changes (25–50%). Methylene blue should be added at a rate of 1–2 mg/L to reverse the process of methaemoglobin formation (predilute the chemical, and avoid the biofilter intake). Salinity (NaCl) should be increased by up to 2 mg/L, to competitively inhibit nitrite uptake by the gills. The pH of the water can be gradually raised to 8.5, and the water temperature reduced (e.g., to 5°C), to minimise the proportion of the more toxic form of nitrite. Provide supplemental aeration, and additional nitrifying bacteria for the biofilter. Mortalities can still be expected from the damage.

If the nitrite levels are extremely high and is not expected to be controlled within 24 hours, then axolotls should be temporarily housed in the refrigerator (at 8°C) while the aquarium continues to cycle (empty aquarium still needs to be supplied food).

Water Quality Explained: How It Can Affect Your Axolotl's Health - WSAVA 2015 Congress - VIN

www.vin.com

 

[Axilottaquestions]

This was a 2015 small animal veterinary conference and their recommendations for axolotl care. Wondering what the experienced folks think of this? In particular I'm looking at their recommendation that if there was a nitrate spike, to add Methylene blue directly to the water, increase salinity and ph... I've never seen people recommend anything but a temp M.Blue bath sometimes, so wondering if these things are still recommended? Thanks in advance!


(from the article)
The relationship between total nitrite and unionised forms such as nitrous acid (HNO2) is inversely pH dependent. Both nitrite and nitrous acid are toxic, but nitrous acid is more harmful. This explains why nitrite is more toxic in acidic water. It is also more toxic in soft water, at higher temperatures and in lower salinity.

Nitrite toxicosis is addressed by withdrawing food, followed by multiple, large, partial water changes (25–50%). Methylene blue should be added at a rate of 1–2 mg/L to reverse the process of methaemoglobin formation (predilute the chemical, and avoid the biofilter intake). Salinity (NaCl) should be increased by up to 2 mg/L, to competitively inhibit nitrite uptake by the gills. The pH of the water can be gradually raised to 8.5, and the water temperature reduced (e.g., to 5°C), to minimise the proportion of the more toxic form of nitrite. Provide supplemental aeration, and additional nitrifying bacteria for the biofilter. Mortalities can still be expected from the damage.

If the nitrite levels are extremely high and is not expected to be controlled within 24 hours, then axolotls should be temporarily housed in the refrigerator (at 8°C) while the aquarium continues to cycle (empty aquarium still needs to be supplied food).

Water Quality Explained: How It Can Affect Your Axolotl's Health - WSAVA 2015 Congress - VIN

www.vin.com

Also not sure if I should do another forum question about this specifically but it feels similarly related.... It would be so helpful to have a full explanation of when we should consider Holtfreter's solution and how exactly it is used. I know there are recipes repeated all over the forum for this and modified versions, but I'm confused if it is ever recommended to actually use it preventatively in the tank at all times? Or just in certain stressed/diseased states? And is this ever used in the full tank environment? Or just in a tubbing situation? TY!

 

[wolfen]

as for nitrites etc.. this may help https://ambystoma.uky.edu/genetic-s...ive/Issues-1-12/archive/Issue 11/24-26fox.pdf
50% holtfreters + 0.1g/l magnesium sulphate is a preventative whilst also offering health benefits, helps protect against fungal infections, edema, anaemia, helps reduce the effects of nitrogen compounds, helps buffer ph, helps recovery from injuries and illnesses, health benefits are that required salts/minerals are provided (axolotls are slight brackish moderate/hard water animals) helping to improve overall growth and gill health.
100% holtfreters + 0.2g/l magnesium sulphate is mostly medicative and used for or during treatment of ailments.

 

[Axilottaquestions]

Ok thank you! That is helpful! The recipe I just saw mentioned it should ideally be in distilled water... do you use distilled if you can? Thank you!

 

[wolfen]

I just use normal tap water, although it makes the gh a bit high because of this it doesn't seem to bother my axolotls or any of the clean up crew (snails, shrimp, scuds and blackworms), it doesn't seem to increase the ph either (both tap and tank are 7.5).