Caring for Axolotl

I think it's the first product on there, sorry. It's caled a "biofoam grid" and it looks very similar to what I have... It's just a small black sponge with a sort of plastic frame. I thought, though I don't know very much about this stuff, it might be trapping bacteria, not the replacable bag, or maybe both of them... I dunno, tell me what you think :)

I looked at one big pet store and they didn't sell sponge filters, so I'm planning on looking at a couple more, depending what's up with my filter :)

Thank you very much again, and thanks Zerrin for the website, I will definitely check it out... I bought a master kit today for $30 so hopefully I can find a few deals.
 
I... think if it's just sponge it would a bio-media - a place for the beneficial bacteria to live and WOULDN'T have to be changed. So it would work I think though I've never seen that particular thing.
Only carbon has to be changed regularly.

Pet stores don't generally carry sponge filters. I bought mine on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089KVC32/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon.com: Lee's Sleek Airline Tubing, 25-Foot, Black: Pet Supplies
Amazon.com: Tetra 77851 Whisper Air Pump, 10-Gallon: Pet Supplies
 
Does the size of the place you hook up your pump have to match with the size of your tubing and sponge filter? By which I mean... do you have to find a specific kind of tubing to hook up your pump to your filter, or are they all universal or something?

Oh sweet I will look at that sorry I just saw it
 
I am actually ordering those as we speak :) Thank you very much
 
The three things I linked match up (tubing size etc) so yep :> sometimes it's guesswork choosing tubing because some can be wider, but like I said what I linked all works together, I run that setup in my tanks.
 
Kaini, you are the best :) I will try to put up a picture of my tank just to make sure everything is okay, thank you so much everyone but mostly Kaini!
 
I'm starting the cycling process... most of my master test kit seems to work just fine, but whenever I test for ammonia it's clear (My regular tap water- tested multiple times -and my tank after I added 50 drops of ammonia) Is this supposed to happen or is it a problem?
 
Are you following the exact instructions on the test? You're right, it shouldn't be clear, that's super weird.

8 drops of ammonia solution #1 and then 8 drops of ammonia solution #2 and then shake and let sit for five minutes is the procedure.

If it still turns clear it probably means the chemical is expired. Check the date on your kit. You can buy the individual ammonia test to re-stock your kit if that's the case.
 
I actually looked it up right after this, I should've done it first but I trust Caudata more :)

I thought the 2 ammonia bottles were the same, where #2 was the backup for if you run out, so I was only using 1.

Thank you very much anyway :)
 
Pfff yea that would be your problem XD You need both solutions for it to work.
 
I actually looked it up right after this, I should've done it first but I trust Caudata more :)

I thought the 2 ammonia bottles were the same, where #2 was the backup for if you run out, so I was only using 1.

Thank you very much anyway :)

I did the same thing XD I felt so silly for not reading all the instructions!

And no problem. I was hoping to get that in there before you went and spent double the money, but I guess I was a bit late :sick: That's ok though, at least you were still able to get it!

By the way, I'm currently using a mudkip in my nuzlocke challenge I started today. He's always been my favorite :3


Kaini, you have a vast wealth of information o_O Kudos, ma'am.
 
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Zerrin- MUDKIP IS THE BEST! Good choice, and good luck with the challenge. I thought I had read all the instructions, but nope there's more.
Kaini, you have a vast wealth of information o_O Kudos, ma'am.
Totally agreed, Kaini you are the best. Ever.
 
It's so much harder than I thought it would be, I had three 'mons get poisoned in a row! Stuff of nightmares I tell you. I even let an RNG choose my starter and I still got mudkip XD It was just meant to be.

Is the cycle coming along better now?
 
So finally my tank is cycled (I think).

Nitrates: 40
Ammonia: 1
Nitrite: 5? Is that supposed to happen? I didn't expect it.

According to the link you gave me a while back, Kaini, I'm supposed to change my water now. Is that accurate? If so, CAN I GET MY AXOLOTL TONIGHT? THAT WOULD BE AWESOME.
 
Also, I just checked and my temperature is at almost 70 degrees (F) right now, and it's likely to get a lot hotter in the summer. Is there a cheap way to lower the temperature to an unstressful level? I am planning on fans, but those will only lower the temperature a few degrees, correct? Maybe a cheap chiller or something?
 
You need to find a cooler spot for your axolotl tank :)

See if there is a cooler room that they can move to, floor level should be cooler than higher up. Keeping windows shut and curtains closed may help. A shaded area outdoors may work.
Invest in a cooler? Air Conditioning for their room may help. Fans blowing onto the water surface will help cool, but I would also insulate the sides.
 
So finally my tank is cycled (I think).

Nitrates: 40
Ammonia: 1
Nitrite: 5? Is that supposed to happen? I didn't expect it.

According to the link you gave me a while back, Kaini, I'm supposed to change my water now. Is that accurate? If so, CAN I GET MY AXOLOTL TONIGHT? THAT WOULD BE AWESOME.

It looks like it is getting there but it is not quite cycled yet. Ammonia and nitrite need to be zero before it can be considered cycled. Once ammonia and nitrite are zero. You will need to to do water changes to bring the nitrate down to a safe level (below 40ppm). It is getting close :)
 
I am having issues with where to put the tank. I'm 15, so still living at home of course and no job quite yet. It would be helpful to have my axie on the ground, but my dad is very particular about where it can go, so not much likelihood for that. Also, like I said, no job, so not much opportunity for a chiller yet. When summer strikes he'll go in the computer room with an AC, so it'll be a little bit better. Other than that, any ideas? I might spring for a chiller if that's the last option, but it would take time for me to get enough money.

Awesome Kaini thanks we'll see in a day or so. Am I still supposed to be adding ammonia?
 
Your tank isn't cycled yet - when the tank is cycled ammonia and nitrite will be zero. These two are TOXIC to aquatic life so they must be at 0.

Yes, you still need to add ammonia. If you don't, the bacteria will 'starve'. They eat it, essentially, and it's important to keep them 'fed'!

As for keeping it cool, run the fan over it and monitor the temperature, see how much it helps. If the fan can't get it around 65, you're going to need a chiller. You can check amazon for slightly cheaper chillers, though they're still going to be fairly expensive.
 
If you have a basement that will be the coolest area of your house. Otherwise try to keep it at ground level. How large is the tank? If it becomes a pain to keep moving around it might be best to try and figure out a good permanent set up. It should be somewhere it can stay cool as well as not in direct sunlight and easily accessible for maintenance. It might be best to wait until it starts to get a little warmer to see how it effects the tank temp. If you see it getting too hot (over 70F) then you might have to save up for a decent chiller. This will also mean buying a suitable pump or canister filter to run the water through.
Like kaini has said you need keep adding ammonia or you'll be starting over your cycle.
 
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