If you’ve noticed your axolotl spending more time than usual hanging out at the surface of the aquarium, it’s understandable to be concerned. An axolotl floating at the top could be exhibiting signs of stress.
Axolotls that consistently float or linger at the water’s surface often have an underlying issue affecting their health and habitat that needs to be addressed. Keep reading to discover the potential causes and solutions.
Common Reasons Axolotls Float at the Top of the Tank
Poor Water Quality
One of the most common reasons axolotls float is due to poor water quality. Axolotls are very sensitive to water parameters like ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. High levels of these waste products can cause stress and make it difficult for axolotls to get enough oxygen.
Always test the water frequently and do partial water changes at least once a week to keep levels low.
Stress and Low Oxygen Levels
Stress is another major reason axolotls float. Anything that causes stress, like poor water quality, too much light, or aggression from tankmates, can lead to floating. Stress causes axolotls to gulp air at the surface to get more oxygen. Make sure to eliminate stressors and test oxygen levels.
Levels should be above 80%. You can increase oxygen with air stones, live plants, and surface agitation.
Illness or Health Problems
Sometimes floating is a sign of illness or health problems in axolotls. Issues like fungal infections, bacterial infections, parasites, organ failure, and more can all cause floating. Look for other symptoms like lesions, swelling, weight loss, and lethargy.
Seek veterinary help if you suspect illness. Quick treatment is crucial.
Eating too Much Air
Axolotls can sometimes take in too much air when eating, especially if eating live foods at the surface. The air gets trapped in their stomachs and causes them to float. Remove uneaten live foods to prevent this. If they do float, try putting them in a container of tank water for 10-15 minutes.
The depth can help release the air so they sink.
Testing and Improving Water Parameters
Using Water Test Kits
Regularly testing your axolotl tank water with a liquid test kit is crucial to maintaining proper water parameters and your pet’s health. The most important parameters to test for are ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH.
Ammonia and nitrite should always be at 0 ppm, while nitrates should be under 20 ppm. Ideal pH is between 6.5-8. High ammonia/nitrite levels can poison and burn your axolotl’s gills and skin. You’ll need to purchase an aquarium water test kit that includes tests for all of these parameters.
API and Tetra make reliable and affordable test kits. Test the water 1-2 times per week and before/after any water changes.
Performing Partial Water Changes
Frequent partial water changes are essential for lowering toxin levels like ammonia and nitrates. For axolotls, aim to change out 25-50% of the water 1-2 times per week, depending on tank size. Use a gravel vacuum to siphon out waste from the bottom while replacing the removed water with dechlorinated, cool water that is within 2 degrees of the tank temperature.
The more frequently the water is changed, the lower the toxin levels will stay. Large weekly water changes can prevent dangerous ammonia spikes between tests.
Cleaning the Tank and Filter
In addition to water changes, thoroughly cleaning the tank itself and filter media helps optimize water quality. Every 1-2 months, empty the tank almost completely to wipe down the sides and decor. Use a soft sponge or old toothbrush and dechlorinated water to gently scrub off any algae buildup.
Rinse filter media like aquarium sponges in old tank water during a water change to remove accumulated debris. Don’t use soap, chemicals or hot water when cleaning the tank or filter to avoid harming helpful bacteria.
Adjusting Improper Water Chemistry
If your test results reveal improper levels of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate or pH, water changes alone may not solve the problem. You’ll need to address the root cause and use water additives as needed. For high ammonia/nitrite, reduce feeding, clean the filter media, and use Seachem Prime to detoxify the toxins.
To lower nitrates, increase water changes and reduce waste sources like uneaten food. For pH, chemicals like Seachem Acid/Alkaline Buffers can safely adjust up or down. Improper water chemistry can be fatal for axolotls if left unchecked. Closely monitor parameters and make adjustments as needed.
Preventing Stress and Supplying Oxygen
Maintaining Proper Water Flow
Proper water flow is crucial for axolotls to get enough oxygen. Stagnant water leads to lower oxygen levels. Axolotls need constant water movement to breathe properly. An efficient filter and air stone should be used to maintain water flow.
The gills of axolotls are delicate, so the water current should not be too strong. Ideal flow rate is low to moderate. Having proper water circulation prevents stress and respiratory issues in axolotls.
Providing Hiding Spot
Axolotls tend to get stressed easily when they feel exposed or lack hiding spots. Providing ample plants and decorations like tunnels, rocks and logs allows them to hide when scared or distressed. These replications of their natural habitat make axolotls feel secure.
According to pet websites, over 50% of axolotl tanks should have hiding areas. Lack of coverage causes axolotls to float to the top gasping for air. So having proper shelters reduces panic floating behavior.
Cooler Water Temperature
Maintaining an optimal water temperature between 60-68°F is vital for axolotls. Warmer water contains less oxygen. So water above 72°F makes it extremely challenging for axolotls to breathe. They tend to gulp air from the surface in warmer tanks.
Investing in a chillier and clip-on fan helps lower water temperature. Cooler conditions allow more oxygen to dissolve preventing floating and respiratory distress. Always monitor temperature to stop heat stress.
Identifying Health Issues Requiring Veterinary Attention
As exotic pets, axolotls can sometimes develop concerning health conditions that require evaluation by a veterinarian. Being able to identify signs of illness and getting prompt veterinary care is crucial for their wellbeing.
Some of the most common health issues to watch for include skin conditions, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory infections.
Skin Conditions
Axolotls have very sensitive skin that is prone to issues like fungal infections, blisters, reddening, and sores. These skin abnormalities often result from poor water quality, trauma, or attacks from tank mates.
If an axolotl develops any skin lesions, rashes, inflammation, or ulcers, they should be quarantined and assessed by an exotic veterinarian. Skin scrapings, fungal cultures, and biopsies may be needed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Digestive issues can arise in axolotls from ingesting foreign objects, parasites, or eating substrate. Symptoms involve loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, constipation, reddish feces, and bloating.
Axolotls that show signs of a gastrointestinal problem for over 48 hours need a full workup to determine the underlying cause. This may involve fecal testing, deworming medication, supportive care, or even surgery in severe impaction cases.
Respiratory Infections
While axolotls have gills and lungs, respiratory illness is quite common. Warning signs include bubbles coming from the gills, mucus in the tank, reddened feathery gills, and gaping motions. These clinical signs indicate a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection.
If not quickly diagnosed and treated with antibiotics, antifungals, or dewormer, respiratory infections can be fatal. Immediate veterinary intervention is imperative.
In addition to the conditions above, any major changes in behavior or activity levels also warrant medical assessment. Axolotls are very stoic animals so subtle signs of disease can indicate an urgent health problem brewing underneath the surface.
Partnering with an exotic veterinarian that has experience with amphibians is essential for every axolotl owner.
Conclusion
Axolotls spending too much time floating on the surface is most often due to suboptimal tank conditions rather than illness. Test and stabilize all water parameters first before concluding something is seriously wrong with your pet.
With attentive aquarium care and a properly cycled, oxygenated habitat free of stressors, an axolotl that’s floating should stop this behavior and sink back down to tank bottom where it naturally rests.
