Finally getting somewhere with the new tank :]

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kenya

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I am setting up my first ever axie tank, with some advice from a few members when I'm able to jump onto the chat board :]
I have a 20 gallon long, which is about 30 inches [76.2 cm] wide and 12 inches [30.5 cm] high.
So far it's pretty boring, but I'm only just cycling it. It's got play sand on the bottom. An internal filter. A very small florescent light [just enough to hopefully keep easy plants alive!] And pvc tubing that is way too big but, I'm sure the axies won't mind. Once I get them fancier caves and hideys I can use the pvc for my rats to play in. I have one little aponogeton bulb from my bettas tank for help with cycling. I zip tied two filter sponges under the outflow of the filter to stop the current, and those spent a few hours in the betta's tank beforehand so hopefully they picked up some bacteria as well. I plan on stealing water from the 10 gallon which I just moved the betta to last night in a few days once it's more established. The African Dwarf frogs will be moving into the 10 gallon once their chytrid treament is finished. [Man I am sick of bleach! :p]
I will be getting a screen lid soon, and I need a digital thermometer but am pretty set on the other basics for now. I have some ideas for homemade backgrounds, and I bought two new buckets from Lowe's. One blue, one green, both about 4 1/2 gallons with measuring lines on the inside. I love not having to disinfect my moms bucket and then soaking it in HEAVILY dechlorinated water every time I need to use it :p
Anyways, the biggest issue I've been having is keeping it cool. But I moved my entire room around, and got a futon which really helped. Now the tank is positioned so when the AC is on it hits it, and I put a fan over the top too. It was staying at 76 F [24 C], but now it's down to 72 F [22 C]! So hopefully it will continue to cool down. I am picking up a TV stand tomorrow that I found on Freecycle, so hopefully since it is closer to the ground that will keep it even cooler, since it's on a taller table now.
I don't really know where I want to go as far as decorations yet. I did grab some nice river rocks, some larger browns and whites and various colors, and then smaller black ones, to place in the tank, but as far as plants and the bigger pieces, not sure yet.
I am looking to get java moss and fern and see if I can keep that alive with my small light. I have heard they are fairly hardy, so we'll see. :] Guess I'll have to browse everyone elses set ups so I can steal your ideas ;D
I haven't yet tested the water, since I had to take a lot out to move it last night, and will have to move it tomorrow. But hopefully that will be the final spot. I will just keep stealing water from the 10 gallon and hope the live plant helps.
I guess I'll either test the water tonight or tomorrow night for my starting measurments.
I am getting two axies from Michael Shrom, who has been very kind and patient with me. He is sending me one leucistic and one wild type. One day I will def need to add a gold tomy collection but that one day will probably be when I talk myself into the 40 gallon breeder tank we have at the PetSmart I work at. ;P
Just thought I would update :]
 
Re: Finally getting somwhere with the new tank :]

WOW! Well done on the effort your putting in!

I'm sure you'll end up with an amazing tank for your axies

Pics as soon as poss please!!

Mel
 
Re: Finally getting somwhere with the new tank :]

Hi Kenya,

Great work I agree with Mel, you are definately giving your axolotls the best possible chance.

It is refreshing to see Pet shop workers being so thorough with regards to axolotls many shops world wide have very poor records in this department. It is reassuring to know that people in your locale will be getting good information.
 
Re: Finally getting somwhere with the new tank :]

Wow thanks for the feedback! To me, the research and the setup are some of the most fun parts of a new animal. I'm sure I will make some mistakes but hopefully they won't be too bad and I am very grateful for finding this forum. So thanks again guys, that gave me a motivation boost.
Well I'm glad PetSmart doesn't carry axolotls. It's so easy to go wrong with them. Some of our stores have total idiots working for them. Then there are some like mine, who have an awesome manager who hires people who actually know what they're doing and who care about animals and their care. Now, I'm not saying we are perfect, there are many things that could be improved upon, but with so many different people in charge of an animals care, it's hard to get things changed sometimes. I think I am the only one who changes the hermit crabs food and water -_- Also, the african dwarf frogs don't get the proper food every day. But, luckily the amphibians won't die if they don't eat every day. Not that I told you guys this stuff, top secret PetSmart info ;] Haha.
But, I am doing what I can, you know?
And I absolutely love watching an animal grow and thrive in my care. My skinny little frogs have fattened up and are very active, and are being treated. My first 3 rats were rescues and have needed socialization, patience, wound care, even neutering.

So anyways, another little update, I was veryyy busy this morning and fell asleep at about 5:20, woke up at about 7:45 pm, and the water was down to 70 F [21 C]!! Hoping it will continue to lower, but 70 F is much more manageable. Still warm, but I can work with it better if it stays at 70 F. Yay!
 
Re: Finally getting somwhere with the new tank :]

You are doing a fantastic job Kenya. This forum is not just a site for education and knowledge but also to encourage and acknowledge responsible members who put in time and effort into prior research to ensure the best welfare for the new pet. ;)
 
Re: Finally getting somwhere with the new tank :]

Oooh! I even have rep now! Haha.

Kind of looks like a steady 70 F for now. Maybe when I get it on the lower table I will get even lower, but, looks like I might not. Of course, once I have the screen lid I can sit the fan directly above instead of balancing it on the corner. Maybe I'll add an air stone too. Who knows.
 
Re: Finally getting somwhere with the new tank :]

Hmm. I am confused. I have had this thing set up for maybe a week. When we moved it I had to take most of the water out, but was able to put a lot back in. So I filled it back up, and with even more water than it had before, and added water from my 10 gallon and the live plant now has a light. I tested my water today and everything is at 0. Well, the nitrate isn't quite yellow, but not quite yellow-orange. Haha. So IF there is any of anything, it would be nitrate. [I'm using the API master kit btw, not the strips]

It's not fully cycled, that can't be possible. But even with having to remove some of the water, there should be SOMETHING. Right?

LOL.

**Can I not edit old posts? I JUST realized I missed an "e" in somewhere right in the title! Which is going to drive me crazy.
-_-
 
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Re: Finally getting somwhere with the new tank :]

Hi Kenya,

If you have tested for 0 ammonia and nitrites and traces of nitrates, i would say your tank is at least midway through the cycling process. A few more weeks time and it should be fully cycled.

You would still have to perform weekly water testing and 20% water changes to monitor your water parameters. Nitrates are the end product of the cycling process and can only be effectively removed by regular water changes. Live plants can help by utilizing them as a nutrient source.

Cheers.
 
Can I be midway even though it's only been up for about a week though?
I put a couple bloodworms in the tank last night, so I guess I'll see if I get something. I wonder if my live plant is messing with my tests too from absorbing all of that stuff? I don't know. Cycling is still pretty new to me.
 
I get the basic idea, but I don't understand why last night I did a water test again and still nothing. Again, the nitrates were the only thing that looked above 0 but still below 5 ppm. I have been using borrowed water since the start, one collection from a small tank with a lot of ammonia, just before I took it down for good. I wonder if I missed the ammonia because of the live plant. And, stupid question, am I supposed to have the filter cartridge in while cycling? I know that might make it appear that there is no ammonia and nitrite, but that stuff is still in the tank, just in the cartridge. So it could still be producing nitrates? My assumption is that my tank isn't NOT cycling at all, but different factors are just kind of skewing my results. When will I know it's done? I put some bloodworms in there the other night, so I KNOW there should have been some ammonia. So that can only mean my tank is at least on a good start. It's a 20 long, only about halfway filled. I guess it shouldn't take months like I keep thinking it will. I just want everything perfect! LOL.

Btw, some results. I'm going to start posting them.

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0-5
pH 8.0

Is my pH too high btw?
 
Hi Kenya,

What is your pH and yes you need the cartridge in the filter while your tank cycles.
 
Oh now I feel clever,

pH of 8 is ok for axolotls
 
Hehe, you just overlooked it. I do that all the time.

Btw, wanted to let you guys know that my frogs did great through the chytrid treatment and are now happily back in the 10 gallon with their new roommate, my betta. :D

I am going to borrow one of my bosses goldfish to help keep the cycling smooth. It is from an established tank, which is better than me buying one, QTing it for 30+ days, and then putting it in the tank. Haha. Besides, my axies are already paid for.

I have a lot to do today, but I am going to do more water tests, record the temperatures of the different levels of my fridge, and record the temperature of a tub of water just sitting in my room.
I want to know exactly where the axies will be when they get here while the tank is cycling.

Btw, my tank has stayed at a pretty steady 67.7 F. [The temperatures I was getting before were all with the stick on the side thermometer. Not very accurate. Now I've got the digital one.]
Do I need to be trying to bring it down more? I think 68F is the max for their recommended temp, but it's not until a few degrees higher that they really get stressed out, right?
 
Hi Kenya,

Besides ensuring the water temperature stays within a suitable range, it is also essential to make sure the temperature is stable. Ideally, it would be better to lower your current temperature a bit if you can keep that temperature constant. However, if it causes stressful temperature fluctuations, it would be better off just leaving as it is.

Cheers.
 
Well. I am downright confused.
I've been testing my water every two days. And the results are always the same. 0 Ammonia. 0 Nitrites. 0 or maybe a tiny bit of Nitrates. pH at 8.

Is it possible I am done cycling? The only thing that might look above a flat 0 is the nitrates. I do have a live plant, maybe it's been the reason I'm testing 0 for everything.
I was looking at a product call Cycle, by NutraFin, but I read that it just does mini cycles or something, and doesn't allow full cycling. Idk. I'm so new to this. Maybe I need more ammonia?
Does anyone have the link for how to use household ammonia? Because that might need to be something I look into.

I need it to be done soon, since my axies are here! :D
http://s447.photobucket.com/albums/qq197/ratattack_kenya/29 May 2009/
I didn't edit the pics of them. I was busy that day. Yes there are pics of my rats and frogs. But you should enjoy them too<3

Speaking of my frog, this morning the only frog I have named, Abigail, was very bloated. I fear intestinal bloackage, or an infection, or dropsy or bloat and pretty much everything. Leaning towards the first two since it was overnight. Tomorrow she is going into a heated hospital tank, and I will start her on Maracyn Two. It's looking like I will need to aspirate her. Not looking forward to it, wish me luck :'(
 
Darkmaverick said:
Hi Kenya,

Besides ensuring the water temperature stays within a suitable range, it is also essential to make sure the temperature is stable. Ideally, it would be better to lower your current temperature a bit if you can keep that temperature constant. However, if it causes stressful temperature fluctuations, it would be better off just leaving as it is.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

I wish I could lower it, and I haven't checked the temp in a couple days as I've had the thermometer on the bins the axies are in, but, that's the temp it's been stable at. The issue right now is keeping the temp stable in just the tupperware containers they are in.
The fan is on 24/7, so it may go down a little at night when the light is off, but, nothing too dramatic.
 
Hi kenya,

If your tank readings are 0 ammonia, nitrites and trace nitrates, your tank is cycling well. Ammonia and nitrites are the toxic nasties to axies. Since your tank shows none of them, i would be really happy if i were in your position.

The live plant does help use up any trace ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. I am not surprised if your nitrate levels are lower because of this.

In summary, you are doing fine. There is no necessity to specially 'add' more ammonia or use any chemical products. Your axie inhabitants would produce plenty of nitrogenous waste product that would keep the tank cycled.

Cheers.
 
Yayy :D

Do you think with a water change it will be ready for them then?
Everything in the tank has got a nice slime coat, so I knew there was no way there was nothing living in there. But how do I know when it's ready? I shouldn't have put the plant in there, considering my newbieness to cycling :p
Though, it's growing beautifully, I must say. I think it's trying to bloom but the stalk is so tall it's out of the water! Might end up moving it to the 10 gallon ;]

I want to thank everyone for the advice. I know it probably drives you all crazy to answer the same questions constantly, but I am still so lost on this forum and I so want to do this right.
 
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