Question: Nitrite & Ammonia problems

[axle89]

I have a 40L tank with a male Axy in it for nearly 4 months now. My problem is that I have dangerous ammonia and nitrite levels in the tank that I can't seem to get rid of.

I have been doing 1/4 water changes almost daily, adding aquarium salt, and adding 'stability' - a good bacteria tank stablizing solution.

I have been getting the water tested weekly and always get either ammonia or nitrite levels spiking up, or both.

My axy seems ok, he has a good appetite, isn't floating and is fairly active at night but I'm still concerned.

Is there something that I am doing (or not doing) to cause this?

 

[melr70]

Hi Axle89,
You need to be doing much larger water changes, DAILY, if you have any ammonia in the water. And why are you adding salt? Stop adding the salt and start with daily, very large, water changes. Lots of people cycle their tanks with their axolotls in but you must do the daily changes. I would also suggest you get your own water test kit so you can keep a proper eye on what's happening. Ammonia and nitrite are both really toxic, as is salt in any quantity. Your tank will cycle as long as you get rid of the salt and start water changes asap.

 

[axle89]

Thanks, the aquarium i bought him from advised me that the aquarium salt (with no iodine) would help with the nitrite problem.

How much water can I remove safely? I was told by the aquarium to change a max of 1/3 at a time, is this a myth?

 

[xcoregamerskill]

Im no expert, but from the reading I've done on the axolotl site, (and this forum) most pet shops and aquariums don't know the first thing about care of the Axlotl. From what I've read, you can change as much as 1/2 the water in the tank. Do a little digging, and don't just take my word for it (I'm super new to this).

 

[melr70]

How high are the levels? You need to get rid of the salt, so I'd do a really big water change asap, your tank is uncycled right now which means you could do one hundred percent if you wanted. Once you get your levels down to a less dangerous level you can reduce the changes. It's difficult to say without you being able to tell exactly what your water perimeters are but I would certainly go with the large changes. Being in clean water is way better for your axie right now. You're going to be starting a fresh with your cycle. Once the tank is fully cycled large changes won't be needed. Twenty percent once a week is good, but to get the tank safe you can certainly do more than a third. Any real reading of ammonia or nitrite mean big water changes right away.

 

[melr70]

Also stop using the Stability. In my opinion it's a waste of time. The best way to speed up a cycle is to get a squeeze of good bacteria from an established filter. Failing that any material from an established tank would help (just make sure if it's gravel that you tuck it into some nylon stockings so your axie can't munch it.)

 

[axle89]

The current ammonia level is 1.0 and nitrite 1.0, quite high. I've just bought a testing kit on eBay and awaiting its arrival, I will go ahead and do a massive water change now, sans aquarium salt.

Thanks for the help thus far!

 

[melr70]

You are very welcome. The test kits are well worth the investment