Question: Newbie with owning an Axolotl

[Elfe]

Im very very very very confused and scared at the moment.
I got a 10 gallon tank on Tuesday, July for the Axolotl with the filter, FIN bacteria supplement and water conditioning. I put 10 mL's of each in the tank and the next day the water was cloudy. The instructions for the bacteria supplement told me to wait 15 mins but I guess I forgot and put it in as soon as I put the water conditioning in. Im not sure if the rocks I put in the tank made it cloudy cause they were in this vase for quite some time but anyway. When I woke up which was at 12:45 p.m (was up all night looking at information, didnt find much so thats why im here) I immediately dumped the "WHOLE" tank out, cleaned it once again along with the the fake plants, filter, and didnt put the rocks back in. After putting the tank back together, I waited 9 hours to check on the water and its still clear, but when I got the tank I put the conditioning and supplement in there at 4 pm and checked on it at 9 pm. It was cloudy like I said in the beginning. Im scared that itll get cloudy again.
My current questions are:

• If the bacteria supplement is making the water cloudy (just my guess), why does it need to be used?

• Is it necessary to use it?

• Why does the water need to be cycled? My betta and newts water doesnt need bacteria supplement. Ive never used it in there water and they do just fine. Ive had them for a year now.

• How long does it take for the both water conditioning and bacteria supplement from FIN to work?

• How do I know its working w/o buying fish or a water test kit? Im on a budget since everything all together cost $120

• Axolotls need to be in 18 Celsius degrees but the thermometer says 24 Celsius which will kill it so how do I make the water colder without a chiller? My room is the coldest and safest place in the house. I keep my A/C on 68-71 Fahrenheit everyday throughout fall-summer yet the water isnt cold enough.

I just dont want to buy the Axolotl and it dies right away. Im getting it from UnderGroundReptile and you know there rules.. TERRIBLE. I cant get my money back if it dies so. HELP!!!

 

[blushed]

Your tank needs to be cycled so that toxic levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates don't kill your axolotl.

You /need/ a test kit. Bottom line. It's part of owning anything aquatic. It's your responsibility to buy the supplies you need to properly care for your animals.


You don't necessarily need a bacteria supplement as much as you need large daily water changes to keep toxic water parameters in "safe" numbers til your tank has cycled. Which is why you need a test kit, to check daily, or even twice daily.

To cool the tank you can position a fan over the water, freeze bottles of water, or I'm sure there are other ways, just use the search feature of the forum.

I'm not sure what you mean by you added rocks sitting in a vase a long time? Is it gravel? Marbles? If it's anything but sand or LARGE rocks, remove them immediately.

If you don't want to kill your axolotl in fear of not getting a refund, then buy a test kit.

I'm sure others will pop in and add/agree/disagree!

Good luck!

 

[cabbysarus]

There really is no getting around buying a test kit. You need to test the water so frequently with these little guys that its just not reasonable to take the water to someone so they can test it. Having a test kit also gives you a little more control over what is going on in your tank.

I'm not completely sure what the bacteria supplement is supposed to do, but the tank will grow its own bacteria that it needs to create an ecosystem

The (almost) Complete Guide and FAQ to Fishless Cycling - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community

Scales Tails Wings and Things, What is Aquarium Cycling? How to Cycle your Tank

These things really helped me when trying to figure out the cycling thing. You also might wanna check out the for sale section on this site There are very friendly breeders that would love to help you pick the right axie. Most of them are very experienced with this kind of thing and will talk you through the process.

Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of Axolotls ^.^

 

[Elfe]

Wow! Thanks guys. I think I'm ready.