Cycling tank using fish? Cleaning tank.

ThisFish

ThisFish

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Im planning to get an axolotl after christmas, Ive done a lot of research and have some of the supplies I need. I want to get 1 leucistic axolotl. I have a 29 gallon tank as well as sponge filter, fine aquarium sand, air pump, testing kit (PH, ammonia, nitrate),and tubing. The axolotls at my local store are about $60 each they come about four inches I think. I want to take really good care of mine when I get one so Im trying t get good supplies while at the same time staying in budget.

I was wondering about cycling the tank. Is it good to use fish to cycle? My uncle suggested getting a cheap fish or two to start the cycle and then just flush them when I get my axie (I might feel kinda bad about that though). Is this right? Ive never had an aquarium before so getting a little fish to start might be a good idea.

More questions:
What is the Ideal PH?
What is the Ideal Nitrate level?
What is the Ideal Ammonia level?
What fish should I start with?

How do all you guys clean your tanks? I have some sort of siphon I don't know how to use. When do you do it?

Also what chlorine remover is best? I have stress coat but Ive heard that could be bad.
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...ate/104550-stress-coat-water-conditioner.html


Any thing else I need?
 
I would recommend against using fish to cycle the tank. Not only do you risk exposing the fish to harmful levels of ammonia and nitrite during the cycling process but it is not really fair on the fish to just be disposed of afterwards especially not by flushing them. I would consider this quite cruel.

Here is a link on fishless cycling. This allows you to use an alternative ammonia source without the risk of harming aquatic life.

The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community

A PH between 7.4 to 7.6 is ideal but anywhere between 6.5 to 8.0 is considered acceptable. This is taken from the Axolotl.org website. Here is the link

Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity

Nitrate should be kept under 40ppm

Ammonia and nitrite in a cycled tank should be zero. Below is a link on cycling. Make sure you give it a thorough read and if you are unsure, feel free to ask questions.

I use a syphon to clean my tank. I have sand as my substrate so part of my weekly water change is to stir the sand up to make sure there are no gas pockets building up and I gently hover the syphon over the sand ( not too close as it will suck up the sand) to collect debris on the sand. I do pay close attention to where my axolotls are in the tank as you do need to be careful not to syphon too close to them. There have been many cases where axolotls have become injured from syphons. To clean y filter media I gently rinse them out in tank water (never straight tap water as the chemicals in tap water will kill off the beneficial bacteria).

Any dechlorinator that removes chlorine, chloramine (if your tap water contains this, you may need to check with your local water supply) and heavy metals. The stress coat is fine though some prefer to recommend ones without aloe vera.

Also, make sure you invest in a test kit for nitrite as well.
 
I should also add to make sure you have a thermometer so you can monitor the water temperature accurately as this is important for axolotls.
 
Skudo09 said:
I would recommend against using fish to cycle the tank. Not only do you risk exposing the fish to harmful levels of ammonia and nitrite during the cycling process but it is not really fair on the fish to just be disposed of afterwards especially not by flushing them. I would consider this quite cruel.

Here is a link on fishless cycling. This allows you to use an alternative ammonia source without the risk of harming aquatic life.

The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community

A PH between 7.4 to 7.6 is ideal but anywhere between 6.5 to 8.0 is considered acceptable. This is taken from the Axolotl.org website. Here is the link

Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity

Nitrate should be kept under 40ppm

Ammonia and nitrite in a cycled tank should be zero. Below is a link on cycling. Make sure you give it a thorough read and if you are unsure, feel free to ask questions.

I use a syphon to clean my tank. I have sand as my substrate so part of my weekly water change is to stir the sand up to make sure there are no gas pockets building up and I gently hover the syphon over the sand ( not too close as it will suck up the sand) to collect debris on the sand. I do pay close attention to where my axolotls are in the tank as you do need to be careful not to syphon too close to them. There have been many cases where axolotls have become injured from syphons. To clean y filter media I gently rinse them out in tank water (never straight tap water as the chemicals in tap water will kill off the beneficial bacteria).

Any dechlorinator that removes chlorine, chloramine (if your tap water contains this, you may need to check with your local water supply) and heavy metals. The stress coat is fine though some prefer to recommend ones without aloe vera.

Also, make sure you invest in a test kit for nitrite as well.
Click to expand...

Wow thank you!! :D:D
 
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