Ammonia issues

[CourtneyD]

Hi there,

We have two juvenile axolotls in a 20 gallon tank they are about 4 inches long. The tank was cycled prior to putting them in with all the levels where they should be. The ammonia level is now at 0.50, nitrite is at 0 and nitrate is at 0 which is obviously not good. What can I do to fix this ? I’ve bought ammo lock today so it doesn’t hurt my Axolotl and plan on doing 50% water changes daily to try and fix it. Is that the right thing to do ? Should I get bacteria in a bottle ? Should I be feeding them regularly (bloodworms) or cut back to try and lower the ammonia ? I know since they are young they need to eat so they don’t go after each other.

We are new to owning Axolotls so trying to do everything right.

Thanks!

 

[CourtneyD]

I should add that we do have a three stage filter and the water is slightly milky.

 

[Viking]

The reason the was is cloudy is a bacteria bloom of the tank trying to cycle. You can do a partial water change. Do you live plants? Hornwort and many floating plant will absorb ammonia directly.