Question: I just bought an axolotl and didnt put them in a cycled tank will they be ok?

[silhouette71au]

I have only just found this site and knew nothing of cycled tanks. I have owned an axolotl in the past for many years but it died after I moved to a warmer climate and not knowing they needed a colder tank it died. I have done more research and decided to buy a new one. I got the keeping them colder and how to look after them if they are sick research but not until I found this site didn't I know I should have a cycled tank. My tank is water treated correctly and I have it at a cooler temp but I put them in a fresh tank without cycling the water for a few weeks.
:angel:

 

[cabbysarus]

As long as your keep a close eye on the ammonia and nitrite levels while its trying to cycle, you should be fine. If either of them get too high, just do a water change to bring it back down to a suitable level. I did the same thing with my first little axies It'll take much longer for the tank to cycle with them living in the tank, but totally doable good luck

 

[auntiejude]

Essentially you're doing a 'fish-in cycle', you just need to keep an eye on the ammonia, nitrite and nitrates while the cycle establishes, and do water changes as needed.

 

[silhouette71au]

Thank you I am going to buy a really good water testing kit tomorrow that test for 5 different levels of things and I am going to keep a good eye on my tank and I have also found a nitrate and ammonia thing that sits on the inside of your tank and warns you when the levels are going into the not so good range and they last for 1 year which I thought was a really good idea and they are only about $15.00 each. I think that should cover all the water testing bases and give me a day by day update. I am so glad I found this forum it will help me keep my beautiful babies safe and happy and healthy. I have already learnt so much in just a few days... thank you all again