Ammonia

[natrix]

Hello Everybody
I have three axolotls in a 29 gallon tank. They seem to be doing well but I am having trouble in reducing the level of ammonia in their tank. I have an under gravel filter and have done partial water changes and used instant ammonia remover from Drs Foster and Smiths pet catalog. How ever the level still remains too high. I am reluctant to use too much chemicals.
I also have African Clawed frogs, which are messier than the axolotls, and tropical fish using the same water source and their ammonia levels are zero.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

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[AquaAmphib]

I dont know if this is the only cause but based off of my personal experience a hang on or sponge filter are the best routes and under gravel filters are one of the worse due to simply how they work. They have all that junk below the and it sits there and causes ammonia problems. Also I know this isnt to do with what your asking but do you use gravel as your substrate. I say this because that stuff is deadly:violent:!

 

[keiko]

High ammonia means there isn't enough bacteria to convert it all to nitrite and eventually to nitrate. So either the tank isn't cycled yet (or the cycle crashed) or there is something rotting in the tank -> too much ammonia for the "normal" amount of bacteria to take care of. Either way you need to do big water changes to keep the ammonia below 0.5ppm at all times.
Have you tested nitrite and nitrate?

3 axies in a 29 gallon tank is a bit much if they're adults. A bigger tank would be easier to maintain and would provide a better environment for the axies.

 

[Cacique]

Don't forget to scoop out the poop whenever you see it. If they break it up it'll just get spread in the water, and I'm not sure how your filter would work at cleaning that up. Because your tank is on the smaller side you'll need to clean it more often.

 

[natrix]

Thank you for the help. I have changed the filter and did a major water change. The ammonia level has gone down. I will keep checking it on a frequent basis.