Need help to cycle 90 gallon tank.

[axiebeans]

I got a 90 gallon tank a few days ago (Saturday) It is full and had a USED Fluval 306. The filter media and tubes everything were still wet. Plus I used a tiny bit of used water from another axolotl tank. I mean literally a small amount, but there was a couple small live plants from the old tank floating in it. I have an axolotl and apple snail in the tank and am curious how much water I should change? I have been doing 20% of water change everyday and I have been testing my water I have 7.6-7.8 PH, 0.25 Ammonia, and 0 Nitrite. I am just looking for advice on how much water to change how frequently to ensure a good tank cycle. Thanks all for input.

 

[birdsong]

The more water you change the longer the cycle will take generally . Go a day without changing and test.if ammonia isn't rising go another day . Continue as long as ammonia doesn't spike and try to get to a week then do a 20% change then try two weeks ?then 3 then a month . If you can go a month with little or no ammonia your tank is cycled . Then you only need monthly water changes of 30-50% . A 90 gallon should provide enough dilution so spikes should be minimal but constant testing is required to ensure safety for the first month or two. Also make sure ph stays near 7 as ammonia becomes more toxic the higher the ph I believe . Are you using a master test kit or strips?

 

[axiebeans]

I am using API Test kits comes with a test tube and a liquid dropper test. I have all 4 tests (PH, Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates) My PH is about 7.6. Thanks on the tips for cycling some how I got it in my mind I had to do 20% daily I will continue to do tests daily. And will do water change when ammonia spikes a bit (after this change cause I already started it lol). Would this test kit be a good one?

 

[birdsong]

Yes the best in my opinion I have the same. Just monitor closely and watch your axolotls for indicators . I almost don't even need to use my test kit as I've learned when they start becoming really active or have more gill flaps then normal it's time to do a partial change . It will become easier the more familiar you become with things good luck !

 

[axiebeans]

Thanks that's good to know