Aquatic pet care and education
Each week I will be posting about Aquatic pets.
These posts are for all ages, but written specifically with language that children can also understand.
Signs your axolotl has a parasite If your axolotl has a parasite, the first indication is that it will start refusing to eat. It may float and it will start to loose it’s floofs, loose weight and sometimes loose its slime coat. This is an axolotl that was surrendered to me because the previous owner … Read More “How to rid your axolotl of a parasite…” »
I just want to talk about surrendering axolotls. I so often see axolotls advertised for sale that are in such terrible conditions, it breaks my heart. If you don’t have time for an animal or are in over your head, please, don’t wait until they are dying from starvation or injury to give them to … Read More “Surrendering” »
There is a lot of controversy surrounding Betta and the correct size tanks. I have kept Betta for 20 years, in this time, I have been exposed to all the different ways and arguments either way. I have also owned 12 different male Betta in this time and can tell you that they all have … Read More “Betta tanks” »
Axel came to us at 11 months old and was 12cm. He was the result of an accidental clutch and was not in the best shape, he had no feet, only two legs and a bite out of his tail. The breeder had been feeding him beef and bloodworms and was keeping him with way … Read More “Why has Axel been banished??” »
I have seen a number of people comment or post about not doing water changes, rather just topping up evaporated water. Let’s analyze the two methods and explain why one is better than the other. Standard water change method See my post about water changes and amounts for full details, but essentially, water changes is … Read More “Topping up evaporation vs changing out water” »
The cycling process can seem tedious, but it really is necessary to do it correctly, especially if you have an axolotl. They are far more sensitive than other aquatic creatures and can easily get ammonia burns. This axolotl has had its floofs burnt off with high ammonia levels. This will result in difficulty breathing. I … Read More “Unusual methods of cycling” »
I recently saw a post on an axolotl group where someone had shown water testing tubes with very high nitrates. The advice she was given was to do a 100% water change. I commented to please not do that as it would crash her cycle, but sadly it was too late. She had taken out … Read More “Extreme Water changes” »
Why cycle a tank? Cycling an aquarium can seem like a lengthy and tedious process, but it is crucial to having happy healthy fish. I know its really tempting to buy a tank and just add everything in on the first day, but I promise this will be worth it, result in less fish deaths … Read More “Cycling an aquarium tank” »
When building am aquascape, the best place to start is with the hardscape. Hardscape includes all your rocks, driftwood and any ornaments you want to include in your tank. I like to set everything up in the empty tank and look at it for a few days. I tweak things and move them around as … Read More “300L tank build” »
The best food for axolotl’s is without a doubt, live earth worms, but how do you keep them? There are giant worm farm tubs available at various garden centres, but having a worm farm outside, totally away from your axolotl isn’t overly convenient. We have created a mini worm farm that lives under our tank, … Read More “Worm farms” »
