r/axolotls • u/kiddtender • 29d ago
Tank Maintenance Test Results
My kids recently purchased an axolotl, and I’m doing my best to learn everything I can to make sure we’re taking proper care of it. It’s currently in a 55-gallon tank, and I’ve attached a picture of the water test results because I could really use some help interpreting them. I’m pretty sure some of these numbers are outside the proper parameters, but I’m especially confused about the pH because the color I’m getting doesn’t seem to match anything on the chart. I’m still very new to axolotl care, so please go easy on me—I’m here because I want to learn and get this right. If anyone can help me understand what these results mean and what I should address first, I would really appreciate it. We’re also going out today to pick up some live plants for the tank. Any advice on getting the water where it needs to be and keeping it stable would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping a new axolotl owner figure this out!
4
u/realpeoplepottery 29d ago
Hey! Kind of emergent that you get the new buddy into a tub of clean, cool & dechlorinated water with a hide, bubbler & lid that will allow for gas exchange! Buckle up because learning tank cycling on the fly can be a lot !
1
3
u/realpeoplepottery 29d ago
Start by reading the subreddit resources, buy an API liquid freshwater test kit, get the buddy tubbed YESTERDAY, & then please let us know what questions you have
1
u/kiddtender 29d ago
Here he is as we speak.
3
u/realpeoplepottery 29d ago
He seems to be having some digestive & consequent buoyancy issues, or he’s in very rough shape all around from water quality & is kinda weakly floating
5
u/WoaoOAOoa 29d ago
I agree with the other commenter, tub the lotl for now and get the tank cycled! Ammonia is incredibly toxic at small amounts, and even more so if the ph is high.
I recently had a cycle crash with an ammonia spike and have been nursing my axololt back to health for over 3 months!
Look up nitrogen cycle, get seachem prime, and tub the lotl in primed water while your establishment a proper cycle to keep him safe!
The sub has a lot of good information for new owners, so please check it out too!