Cycling Advice

[Zellus]

Hi I'm Z and I'm new to the Axolotl world. Unfortunately, I am doing a Axie-In cycle. I was able to cycle my tank fairly quickly (I used a filter sponge from 1 of my fully cycled tanks but just as I ordered him, I lost full power. So long story short, I am cycling from scratch. I've had him (I'm not sure if it is a boy or girl yet) since February 3rd. I read that sometimes beneficial bacteria or cycle boosters can be hard on them. I just wanted to see if anyone has any tips or advice for me. Or if you see that I am doing anything incorrect. ANYTHING that could help would be most appreciated! I just want him to be very comfortable, happy and healthy.

As of right now he's in a 10 gallon (until he gets a little bigger), Ph is 7, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates 0, KH is around 40,and GH is 120. His tank keeps fluctuating from 63-64 F (still trying to get the chiller to stabilize) He has bare bottom, 4 large marimo balls, a java moss covered stone (way to big for him to fit in his mouth... for now lol) Marimo moss mat, 3 anubias nana, 3 anubias barteri, elodea, carmadine lyratta and 2 silk plants to block the flow of the sponge filter and the chiller. I change 60% of his tank water every other day and clean his poop daily.

Is there anything else I should be doing? Any advice?

Thank you - Z. Stefani

 

[Canecorsonewt]

I did the same thing with my Louisiana newts. They made it and are breeding. I saw my male swimming kinda frantic all over the tank . But he did do that when I first got him. One day I saw my female doing it . So I checked the water ammonia was high. I changed 25% of my water every day. I had a 5 gallon tank and took about 2 inch out . It took about 4 weeks in 5 weeks. That was in September now I think they are fine. My female has layer over 150 eggs good luck.

 

[Zellus]

Thank you so much Cliff!!! I'm glad that your newts survived and are doing so well! It's frustrating to have to redo the cycle! I check the ammonia levels every day and luckily it always reads 0. The tank is heavily planted as well. I live in a place where the power usually goes off a few times in the winter, so I've mastered the fish-in cycle but this is my 1st amphibian, so I'm nervous.