Axolotl IN cycling?

[Sylerwin]

So, I've had my axolotls in a tub in my bathroom for about a week now, doing about 75% water changes every night, because I was starting over with their tank. They are still doing well physically, but it's obvious that they are stressed out in the tub. Also, I'm worried about the water or tub that they are in. I'm using dechlorinated water that sits overnight (or longer) to do water changes. However every day there is what appears to be a film on the surface of the water in their tub. Also, I'm seeing white stuff floating in the water. It doesn't look to be off of them, so I'm thinking it's coming off of the tub that they are in. It's a sterilite bin. I have in there from their tank 1 moss ball, 3 fake plants, and 2 PVC tubes/caves for hiding. I keep a fan on the water to keep the temp down. I also siphon up any poop in the water when I do their nightly water changes.

When I re-did their tank, I kept old filter media that was floating in a bucket of old tank water. I have their caves too, but those dried up so I think they lost the beneficial bacteria. I've added a few plants, but not much. I'm reading a lot about people cycling their tanks with their axolotls in the tank, simply by keeping up with water changes, and monitoring the water parameters.

Here's some current info on the tank:
40 gal breeder, been set up overnight with conditioned water using Prime.
New sand substrate, thin layer for easier cleaning
a few plants
Old filter media, however my impeller needs replacing so sometimes I have to turn off my filter when it gets really noisy, I'm hoping that doesn't hinder the process.
I also have a bubble bar.

Here's current readings of their tank using API's liquid test kit: (just filled it last night, no water changes since)

Ammonia: ~1.5ppm
NitrIte: Somewhere between zero and .25ppm, closer to 0ppm though.
NitrAte: 0ppm

Here's the current readings of their tub using API's liquid test kit: (75% water change done last night)
Ammonia: .5ppm
NitrIte: Also Somewhere between zero and .25ppm, closer to 0ppm.
NitrAte:10ppm

I own Seachem's Stability, which is "New Tank Stablilization System, Rapid & Safe Establishment of Bio-Filter, Prevent 'New Tank Syndrome' "

So here's my question: Do I keep them in their tub through the whole cycle process, where they have limited space and weird stuff floating in their tub? Or do I put them home and do daily water changes?

If I put them home, should I use Stability?
Also, what ammonia reading should I aim for while they are in the tank during the cycle? 0ppm-.25ppm? (you need a little to get the cycle going, right?)

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I'm excited to get them into their new home, but I want to be sure they're safe!

 

[conradryaan]

like I said in your other post, I would put them in there and keep up on the water changes that's what I have done with my axies multiple times(switching tanks and what not) I would not use the stuff though, big sure what's in it and what it's direct effects are. i steer clear of chemical stuff haha. hopefully their are some other people out there that can back up the way I do things because i know it works. just super important to watch the water conditions and change your water during the process. hopefully those numbers I gave you will help you out too. I know it probably seems scary but it is better then them being cramped and in filmy water. again hope there others out there would can help build up your confidence and also give more advice then me. this site is all about healthy and happy axies! that's what we like to see(;


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

[auntiejude]

I only had my tank for a week - barely enough time to get hte filter warmed up let alone cycled - before I put my fist 2 axies in. They were fine, I did 50% water changed every 3 days to start with, monitored the water quality, and cut back on the water changed as the tank got established.

I wouldn't turn your filter off for any length of time though, maybe an hour or so to let it cool down, but if you leave it too long the bacteria will die off - don't know how long they can be left without water flow but I know it isn't long.

BTW I find it easier to use 2 tubs when isolating an axie, put them into tub 1 while I clean tub 2, then into tub 2 so tub 1 can be cleaned. I use plastic shoe storer boxes 14"x6".

 

[layna]

The 1.5ppm of ammonia needs lowering drastically before you put your lottles in the tank.
I wouldnt advise to use anything chemical to help your cycle no matter how tempting it is, just let your axies do the work and keep up with water changes, depending on your tank it will be different but i would suggest a 10-20% change everyday until the cycle gets going a little then think about reducing the daily change to a every other day change.
As i said on your other post, you need a filter running 24/7 so wait until your filter is fixed, buy a new one (i got mine own brand for around £20) or use a sponge filter in the meantime