Question: Cycling Issue Persistent

parameter level issues along with water temp issues...!!!

hello i have a 10 gallon tank that i am having a hard time cycling...i have a water dog (tiger salamander larvae) which requires basically the same care as aolotls.

the parameters read

ph-7.6
ammonia-1-2
nitrite-.25
nitrate-20

having a hard time getting the ammonia and nitrite down.

also how can i keep my tank water to stay between 60-64 degrees F?

i live in an area with no AC. my house stays at about 72-72 degrees F.
i do regular 50% water changes daily along with parameter tests to check levels and to try to keep ammonia and nitrite levels down. what is affective for keeping a tank at a consistent low temperature without rising dramatically causing stress?

i have a 10-20 gallon filter that hangs on the back of my tank along with some fluval rings to help collect good bacteria as well as a nylon bag of it by my filter. i have bare bottom tank.

i also have an air stone in the tank as well as a hide away and some fake plants. i have a fan that is on all the time to try to keep water temperature low. it is about about 70 degrees right now.

i do rotations of ice bottles to try to cool the water but that doesn't do much and its stressful on my water dog.

some advice. i am working on cycling a 30 gallon tank for my water dog, so maybe the area space of water will help with the ammonia and nitrite levels.

what kind of plants are safe?

does anyone recommend a sponge filter?

i have been thinking about using a sponge filter instead of a regular hang on the back filter due to constantly having to buy new filter cartridges and water flow.
or do you have to use a sponge filter and regular filter. also would i have to do more cleanings of the tank with only a sponge filter? i do daily water changes and siphon the bottom of the tank from waste and debre. how do i set a sponge filter up anyways?

would it be a good idea to get sand for my tank?
 
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