What do I do when the nitrates are high above 40?

Rather than draining the tank and starting over, do a series of daily water changes. Start with a 50% water change. Add an extra dose of prime during the water change. (1 1/2 capful if the tank is 20 gallons). Test the next day and do a 25% water change if the nitrates are above 20 (Do another 50% water change if they are still above 40).  Continue doing 25% water changes every day until nitrates are 10ppm.

Impaction: Swollen belly, loss of appetite, pink toes, rotting toes or tail tip, red veins throughout body.  Fungus will appear on damaged areas.

 

What do I do if my Axolotl won’t eat?
Frequently, when axolotls refuse to eat it is because of constipation.  In young axolotls, look for a dark bumpy belly.  Adults may become swollen behind the back legs.  Sometimes they will float to the top of the tank, with an air bubble in the belly or intestines, the tail will be upward.  In the event of constipation, allow them a day or two to poop.  Afterwards, eating should return to normal.  Very young axolotls may become temperamental about eating.  If the worm is fighting him, try smaller pieces of worm that are easily swallowed.  The worm can be dipped in a cup of hot water to kill it. If he still refuses the worm, use tweezers to offer a few small carnivore pellets.

 

What are these little white worms on the bottom of my tank?

Aquariums commonly have residents, Rhabdocoela worms, that appear from the soil that worms eat.  They are not dangerous to your axolotl.  To control their population, wipe the bottom of the tank to release them into the water right before doing a water change.  This helps them to be caught up in the siphon and discarded with the waste water.

 

Why is my tank cloudy?

It is normal for a new tank cycle to become cloudy temporarily until the bacteria gets into its proper balance.  

Sometimes the cloudiness can be caused by white algae which is difficult to see. Feel the inside of the glass, if it feels like there is a coating of jelly, white algae is building. Disrupt its growth by wiping the sides and bottom of the tank daily for a few days.  Squeeze out the filter during the next water change since it will likely have extra debris.