Fritz Maracyn Oxy is our preferred method for treating fungus.  It can be treated in the tank, or while tubbed.  

Option 1: Treat fungus in the tank.  Follow the instructions on the bottle. The treatment can be sped up by adding a double dose on day 1 and continue regular dose for days 2-5.  If fungus is still present after 5 days, perform a 25% water change and repeat the treatment.  Maracyn can disrupt the nitrogen cycle.  After treatment has been completed, test for nitrites.  Treat the tank with an extra dose of Prime water conditioner every 48 hours, until nitrites return to zero.  The extra dose is 1 1/2 capful for a 20 gallon tank.  3 caps for a 40 gallon tank.  

Option 2: Treat fungus in a tub.  Set up a 1-2 gallon plastic tub.    Add spring water, distilled water, or RO water. Add an air stone, turned down low to prevent creating a current.  Depending on severity, add 4-8 drops of Maracyn Oxy.  Daily change 100% of the water and add the drops of Maracyn Oxy. Once the fungus falls off, the axolotl can be returned to a tank with proper water parameters.

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Note: Prime water conditioner neutralizes the effect of the Maracyn Oxy.  For best results use water that has had chlorine removed by filtration, such RO water or distilled water.  Always test the water to ensure there is not chlorine present.

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Fritz Maracyn Oxy can be purchased here

Test the water for ammonia, nitrates, nitrites & ph

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Test Result- Ammonia above 1ppm, Nitrates 0:  The tank does not have an adequate bacteria colony.  

Solution:  A bacteria source needs to be added.  A seeded filter can be added.  The next most effective option is Fritz Turbo Start.  Slower options are Seachem Stability or FritZyme 7.

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Test Result- Ammonia .25-1 ppm, Nitrites above 0, Nitrates above 0:  The water cycle is not crashed but the bacteria colony is not large enough to handle the needs of the axolotl.  This is usually caused by over cleaning. Wait until Nitrates are at least 20 ppm before doing a 25% water change.  Avoid 100% water charges unless a contaminant is suspected to be in the water.  

Maintain a proper ph to facilitate bacteria growth.  API ph up and Seachem Axolotl Buffer are good products for maintaining a proper ph, 7.0-7.8

To protect the axolotl from Nitrites poisoning, add an extra prime dose to the tank every 48 hours.  1 1/2 capful for 20 gallon tank, 3 caps for 40 gallon tank.  

Set up a 1-2 gallon plastic tub.    Add spring water, distilled water, or RO water. Add an air stone, turned down low to prevent creating a current.  Cover with a dark lid to reduce stress and provide privacy.   Replace 100% of the water daily.  (Our favorite tub is a 2 gallon rubbermaid tub with a water tight lid.  Drill 2 holes in the lid.  The lid does not need to be tightly closed during tubbing, but is very beneficial when transporting the axolotl.)

 

Decaffeinated black Tea can be added to provide comfort.  Steep the tea in hot dechlorinated water.  Add ice cubes to cool it off.  Pour just enough into the tub to create a very subtle golden color.  Use of too much tea may agitate the axolotl.

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If your axolotl is impacted with sand, relief can be achieved with a laxative.  A vet can prescribe lactulose.  Without the help of a vet, the next option is to feed a watered down dose of pureed pumpkin daily.  

Procedure: Use a plastic syringe.  Pick up the axolotl and hold it over the tank.  Use the syringe to pry its mouth open and squirt the pumpkin puree in.  Place the axolotl back into the tank.

 

If the axolotl is impacted with plant matter, avoid feeding as the discomfort will be amplified.  Give the axolotl time to discharge that matter. Leafy matter causes impaction and may require a week or two to pass.  If a plant rhizome is ingested the situation is more serious and may not resolve itself.  The plant will need time to decompose in the intestines until it is softened enough to be discharged.  These complications are cause by the fact that axolotls are carnivores and they can't digest plant matter.