axie.newbie
New member
Hi, I’ve just recently got an axolotl about 2 to 3 months ago. His tank is bare bottom and I have sponge filters.
Yesterday, I cleaned his tank out and his filters were looking really dirty. Usually I wash them in the tank water that I take out but it hasn’t seemed to be cleaning them? So I took them apart and washed them in my sink and the water was really dirty that came out of them so initially I was happy I had cleaned them! But now I’ve seen a few things saying it washes away the beneficial bacteria in the filter and so my cycle will be broken?? I’m now worried that I’ve ruined my tank cycle and the ammonia and nitrates will begin to increase. I know, stupid mistake as everyone tells you to wash them with tank water but it hasn’t seemed to be working.
If anyone can put my mind at ease or give me tips on how to start up my cycle again? Will it begin to cycle again on its own? I’m going to test the water parameters in about a week.
Many thanks!!
Yesterday, I cleaned his tank out and his filters were looking really dirty. Usually I wash them in the tank water that I take out but it hasn’t seemed to be cleaning them? So I took them apart and washed them in my sink and the water was really dirty that came out of them so initially I was happy I had cleaned them! But now I’ve seen a few things saying it washes away the beneficial bacteria in the filter and so my cycle will be broken?? I’m now worried that I’ve ruined my tank cycle and the ammonia and nitrates will begin to increase. I know, stupid mistake as everyone tells you to wash them with tank water but it hasn’t seemed to be working.
If anyone can put my mind at ease or give me tips on how to start up my cycle again? Will it begin to cycle again on its own? I’m going to test the water parameters in about a week.
Many thanks!!