Fritz TurboStart 700 is bottled bacteria so the directions are the same as normal cycling with the addition of adding bacteria.
fill tank with water (for first time fill dechlorinating isn't required but can be done if wanted), fit filter (remove any chemical filtration ie.. activated carbon, zeolite etc), add air stone, add heater for cycling, add any ornaments caves etc.. add substrate if required ie... sand.
switch on and make sure everything is working then add enough ammonia to 4ppm, leave for 1 week to run.
after one week test tank ie.. ph, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, kh and gh if possible, if ph low (7 or lower) add enough bicarbonate to bring it to 7.4-7.6 (using 50% holtfreter measurements will bring it into range) this will also increase kh, gh can be improve by adding minerals ie.. potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium sulphate (using 50% holtfreter measurements will bring it into range), add enough ammonia to bring the level up to 4ppm, wait one hour then add bottled bacteria (Fritz TurboStart 700, 2oz (58ml) for maximum level to speed up cycling directions for dosage etc.. here..
FritzZyme® TurboStart® 700 Freshwater ).
retest after 24 hours then top ammonia up to 4ppm, repeat this daily until both ammonia and nitrites are 0ppm three days in a row.
whilst cycling ensure ph is good ie.. 7.4 or higher (7.4-7.6 is ideal axolotl levels), whilst cycling use a heater to warm the water and speed up the cycling (make sure to remove it after cycling and allow the water to cool before adding axolotl), do not do a water change unless the nitrates are 110ppm or higher (if a water change is done make sure to dechlorinate the water before adding and never do more than 50% each time), do not worry if the water turns cloudy as this can be bacteria bloom and will resolve itself, make sure that the water is oxygenated for the filtration bacteria and for the axolotl when housed, ensure there is enough bio-media (can never have to much but can have to little), don't use UV whilst cycling to prevent bacterial harm.
cycling can take a long time ie.. months, this means that if axolotl is already brought it will need tubbing for quite a while, change water daily with dechlorinated water, feed at night clean in morning, ensure adequate oxygenation, house in pyrex or ceramic to prevent bacterial infection due to plastics, always use a lid (whether tubbing or tank axolotls have a bad habit of jumping out of water.
for general health and to ensure optimal water chemistry ideally house axolotls in 50% holtfreters with 0.1g/l magnesium sulphate.
be aware that any product that produces tannins ie.. almond/catappa leaves, tea, driftwood etc.. can reduce ph due to acidity.
for holtfreters..
Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity
for axolotl levels..
Water Quality Explained: How It Can Affect Your Axolotl's Health - WSAVA 2015 Congress - VIN
