Question: Bunch of Cycling questions!

[Nightfury1]

Ok so sand is going into the tank today, and I would like to add everything else as soon as possible. So before that I have a few questions.

1) How do I properly clean driftwood and rocks for the tank? I have previously used the driftwood for my geckos so I really wanna clean it well. I heard you boil it? What about if I add pots, jars, and PVC pipe? How do I clean those?

2) Can I put coral in my tank? I know that's calcium but I didn't know to put it in or not.

3) Are there any plants that I could put in pots in my Axolotl tank? Ones that need little light and of course cold water? (I am already buying Moss Balls)

4) Lastly, what water readings do I need to be at to know the end of cycling? I am using well water, I heard you can skip a few steps using that? Also, if anyone wants to take the time to simplify the whole process for me that would be great. I don't really know what I'm doing when cycling. I plan on doing the cycle with minnows in it because I need the tank setup and an axolotl in it by late February.

Thanks so much everyone! I am SO excited for my two axolotls that I'll be getting I wannabe the best momma ever

 

[Kaini]

I can't answer the first few but 4 I can help you with.

Here is a really good resource on cycling The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community

I actually recommend you do fishless cycling because fish-in can be quite cruel to the fish.

The only 'step' you skip with well water would be dechlorinator, though I would actually recommend using dechlorinator anyway because your well water can still include things such as heavy metals that can be harmful.

The readings you should have at the end of cycling are:
0ppm ammonia
0ppm nitrite
<40ppm nitrate

 

[auntiejude]

1. Wood and ornaments that have previously been used for other animals should be sanitised, Use a weak bleach solution or boil (depending on material).
2. No coral, unless you have a high pH problem
3. There is a whole list on here somewhere on plants that tolerate low light and cold water - but these work well:
Anubias Nana
Anubias Isabelle
Anubias Barteri
Java Fern
Java Moss
Moss (in general)
Lilaeopsis
Eleocharis (Hairgrass)
Congensis
Riccia
Narrow Chain Sword
Elodea
Hornwart
Water soldier
Marimo moss balls.
4. Well water doesn't need dechlorination, that's all that's different. Cycling is MUCH simpler without fish. Use a pure ammonia product, dead food or fish poop, add a little each day (ideally to 4ppm ammonia) check that water after 24 hours. When your readings are ammonia = 0 Nitrite = 0 and nitrate > 40ppm your cycle is complete, remove any food/gunge/poop, do a big water change to get nitrate < 40ppm, and you're ready to go. Popular link for fishless cycling here.

 

[Jan]

2. No coral, unless you have a high pH problem

Do you mean a low/acidic pH instead of high? Coral contains calcium carbonate which is alkaline or a base. If you have a high pH, you wouldn't want to contribute additional alkalinity. Another reason to avoid coral could be the possible saline content.

 

[auntiejude]

2. No coral, unless you have a high pH problem

Do you mean a low/acidic pH instead of high? Coral contains calcium carbonate which is alkaline or a base. If you have a high pH, you wouldn't want to contribute additional alkalinity. Another reason to avoid coral could be the possible saline content.

Duh. Yeah - high acidity, low pH. Thank you Jan.