Axolotl Fungus
Got fungus?
Only axolotls who are sick, injured or stressed will pick up fungus so before you can cure it you’ll need to figure out the cause. I’ve listed the most common causes in this video to help you narrow it down but if you need help send me a message!
We then discuss a couple of treatment options that are only recommended to attempt if you know how to tub an axolotl which I’ve explained in a previous video.
Screenshot this for later
Tea bath: 1 tea bag brewed in 1 cup of water, allowed to cool, then added to 1 gallon of conditioned water. 15 minutes, 3 times a day for 3 days.
Methylene Blue: 1-2 drops per gallon (aiming for a light blue). 12 hours in, 12 hours out for 3 days.
Tubbing Axolotls
Tubbing an axolotl is the process of keeping it in a temporary set-up outside of the tank in order to either make the tank safe for it or to treat the axolotl for issues outside of the tank. It can come in handy in many situations, I believe that all axolotl owners should have tubbing supplies on hand in case of emergencies.
Supplies list:
-2 or more rectangular food grade plastic tubs with lids about the size of an adults shoe box or larger but not so large you can’t move it.
-A water conditioner/dechlorinator like Seachem Prime.
-A thermometer and way to keep the tub constantly between 60-68°F like a fan.
-Ammonia test kit, liquid tests are always better than strips.
-A smaller container or net to tranfer your axolotl from tub to tub. Turkey Baster for spot cleaning.
Optional:
-Medications or solitions to treat the issue.
-An airstone if you’re using a larger tub, solutions that dilute the oxygen in the water or are keeping multiple axolotls in the same tub (otherwise it’s not necessary, the frequent water changes will keep the oxygen up).
-Hides, plants or indian almond leaves to hide under.
This is getting long so watch the video for the process and other points and tips you should know to tub axolotls!
Should Axolotls be Pets?
When conservationists say an animal is critically endangered. They’re only talking about the wild population. Please keep this in mind when you hear about a critically endangered animal and immediately want to jump to the conclusion that keeping them as pets must be wrong. In many situations, keeping them as pets is the only thing keeping these species going.
Red flags to watch out for when looking for a good axolotl breeder or seller. Avoid buying from Facebook groups, especially if the person claiming to be a seller is an admin or moderator of the group. Most of them share stolen content of rare morphs in order to grow these groups that they abandon and rebuild with each successful scam. A reputable breeder will have a real online precence through multiple platforms, not just a single group. You should be able to find REAL customer reviews. If you can’t find them anywhere else online and their reviews all come from less than 1 year old accounts with one post - Avoid them. Reputable breeders will be able to find homes for their own axolotls using that online presence. Those ones you see at petstores almost always come from inexperienced keepers who accidentally bred axolotls with no known genetics and got in over their heads. If you’re in the market for a healthy and well bred axolotl buying from a petstore is like buying a blind box and crossing your fingers. Sellers to avoid also will not ask you any questions related to your level of knowledge around keeping axolotls, whether that be because it’s a straight up scam or because they just don’t care what happens to their axolotls after sale. A lot of pet stores are guilty of this and are the main reason so many axolotls are ending up in the wrong hands and needing rescued. Those are the best ways to end up scammed or with a crap quality axolotl. Please don’t support them in hurting this hobby and these animals.
Not much of an Update on Tootles but she’s available for adoption in Canada if you’re looking for a quirky little oddball of an axolotl! Happy Valentine’s Day!
In my last series about the basics of axolotl keeping I included a video listing all the basic things you’ll need for an axolotl tank and when it came to lids I mentioned that most axolotl setups will require fans to keep the proper temperature meaning they’ll also require breathable lids. Most aquarium hoods work to trap humidity in them so they won’t do for this purpose. I recommended these DIY egg-crate lids or metal screened terrarium lids. I wanted to walk back on that metal lid suggestion after having a couple of people remind me that despite acknowledging in the video that they need to be kept a good distance away from the waterline to avoid rust many people will skip over that warning. So while I’ve had no issues with my screen lids I’ve decided to swap them for more DIY lids to avoid giving people the idea who might miss the warning. The old lids will be donated to a reptile rescue and I’ll be redoing that video.I figured while I was at it I should show you how to do it! They aren’t hard, you just have to take your time to avoid breaking parts that you want intact. These can also make great dividers for separating axolotls of the same gender (The holes will allow two different genders to still breed without touching). If you fear this lid sliding or being accidentally knocked into the tank you can also add siding with the extra scraps by zip tying them around the edges.
Why are Axolotls being Failed?
Supporting irresponsible breeders or pet stores who are willing to work with them (which is most pet stores) only digs a deep hole even deeper. If you don't want to support the ones causing so many axolotls to end up in the wrong hands consider buying from a reputable breeder or a rescue.
They'll likely be the same price but much healthier.
I'll post another video soon explaining red flags to watch out for when looking for a good breeder.
Here’s a list of the most common plants you’ll see thriving in axolotl tanks!
Amuck might be the most simple minded axolotl I’ve ever met. He’s not dumb. Just simple.
Gastroliths and Axolotls
I’ve spoken of which substrates are safe for axolotls before but apparently we need to breakdown the topic of gastroliths with axolotls. I’m shocked that this is even still a conversation that needs to be had considering how avoiding gravel with axolotls is probably the single most agreed upon part of their care requirements. And yet the few people who are so focused on not following the “mainstream” because “natural=best” have been so loud about it that you can now find their bias and non scientific claims on Wikipidia as well as some of the most reputable breeders sites and socials. There is a reason posts promoting this topic always end in a fight and removal from any axolotl forums and groups. Simply Google “axolotl xrays” and you will see why.
Sometimes bad care tactics will be the ones that become the most mainstream and accepted ways to care for animals. I’m pretty sure we all know at least one person who still thinks fish bowls are acceptable. So you definitely should question and research everything. Don’t just jump the bridge because everyone else did. But in this case I can promise you, the majority does know what it’s talking about here!
Yes many animals who eat rocks have a use for them, but believe it or not, some really are just stupid and eat them accidentally for no reason resulting in complications.
If you feel like you need to add an animals natural risks to keep them happy and healthy don’t forget to add the predators and pollution too or you’re cheating.
*Sarcasm*
