Axolotl salt bathing<\/a> is an effective treatment option for fungal infections appearing on the skin as white patches. Salt baths, lasting about 12 minutes for a few days, will almost immediately eliminate fungus and make the axolotl healthy and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEnsure the salt used is not excessive and baths are not lasting more than a week to avoid worsening the infection and physical exhaustion. For example, for a 5-gallon tank, mix it with three tablespoons of non-iodized salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatively, you can administer black tea bathing. Black tea is richly-packed with tannins, which contain antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, this treatment option only effectively eliminates minor skin issues like burns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Deliver high-quality water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To deliver conducive water quality without stress, do not expose your axolotl to excess chemical concentrations and extreme temperatures. When using tap water in the tank, eliminate contaminants like chlorine with a water conditioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use a tank or aquarium water test kit to regularly monitor the watery environment’s quality. To have a relaxed axolotls clean the tank throughly if it is contaminated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Avoid excessive handling and interaction.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Since an axolotl is not a social creature, it prefers to spend its time alone, especially in hiding. An axolotl also has thin skin and a delicate body, mainly composed of cartilage, which is prone to infections and diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, avoid handling your axolotl unnecessarily so that it is not stressed. If you must move your pet, use a net having fine holes so that the skin and limbs are not injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Ensure proper feeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An axolotl may refuse to eat and become stressed because it is not properly fed. As an amphibian pet, feed it delicious prey such as frozen fish, mice, and bloodworms. Live fish and shrimp are vectors, and have lots of diseases and parasites that may easily attack the amphibian pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A live and bigger prey may also cause stress and injuries to your pet as it attempts to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Provide proper substrate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Axolotls have a habit of trying to ingest anything and everything around them. Unfortunately, ingesting substrates may cause impaction, stress, and even death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The substrate used should be bigger than the head of an axolotl to discourage ingestion. The use of bigger pebbles in the tank is an excellent option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Avail conducive temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid exposing your pet to bright lights and temperatures of more than 74°C. Proper lighting and temperature will not stress, reduce the appetite, and kill your axolotl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Provide lots of hiding spots in the aquarium, including caves, plants, and driftwood. The decorations can help protect your exotic pet from direct light and thus make it feel comfortable and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use a tank fan or water chiller to provide a conducive water temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Set up a spacious habitat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the main reasons your axolotl needs a bigger tank space is that it often produces lots of waste. Water becomes easily polluted and contaminated when its confined to a small tank.Secondly, since an axolotl can reach about 12 inches high, it needs enough space for growth and free movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A stressed axolotl will experience stunted growth. For an adult pet, house it in a 20-gallon tank or aquarium. Also, the aquarium should have a water filtration mechanism to deliver quality water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n