Please help. Having issues with my axolotl tank setup/chemical stuff.

[evelyn_003]

I've been having an issue with my tank setup. for some reason, it keeps getting really green. I changed out all of the water on Friday and treated it with tap water conditioner, API Quick start, API Stress coat, and API Stress zyme as well as replacing the filter. It started getting slightly green so I checked the water's chemicals last night. The nitrate level was 0, the ammonia 0.1, and the nitrate 2.0. I have no clue what the issue is because I think I am doing everything correctly. any insight would be super helpful. do I have to empty the tank completely and clean it out with soap or something?

 

[wolfen]

the cause is to many nutrients in the water and being in direct sunlight.
plants will help remove nutrients and using a picture back ground at the back of the tank will cut down the direct light.

 

[evelyn_003]

the cause is to many nutrients in the water and being in direct sunlight.
plants will help remove nutrients and using a picture back ground at the back of the tank will cut down the direct light.

Thank you so much. Do you think a piece of cardboard on the back side of the tank would work?

 

[wolfen]

anything that will block the direct sunlight will be fine.

 

[axolotl nerd]

I've been having an issue with my tank setup. for some reason, it keeps getting really green. I changed out all of the water on Friday and treated it with tap water conditioner, API Quick start, API Stress coat, and API Stress zyme as well as replacing the filter. It started getting slightly green so I checked the water's chemicals last night. The nitrate level was 0, the ammonia 0.1, and the nitrate 2.0. I have no clue what the issue is because I think I am doing everything correctly. any insight would be super helpful. do I have to empty the tank completely and clean it out with soap or something?

if you replaced the filter and did a 100% water change, you definitely crashed your cycle.
i assume that the parameters you listed are from before changing everything out. your main issue seems to be an algae bloom, likely caused by having your tank directly next to a window. sunlight + water = algae. algae isnt a bad thing, but it can be unsightly. i would follow wolfens advice of getting some plants as well as a background, i find that pothos works very well as eliminating algae. keep in mind that pothos is a terresterial plant, but can be grown hydroponically via putting the roots in the top of the tank. as far as aquatic plants, elodea works wonderfully for me.
also, nice stroodies! i have a little aqualoft for my axolotl, but she never uses it.

 

[axolotl nerd]

I've been having an issue with my tank setup. for some reason, it keeps getting really green. I changed out all of the water on Friday and treated it with tap water conditioner, API Quick start, API Stress coat, and API Stress zyme as well as replacing the filter. It started getting slightly green so I checked the water's chemicals last night. The nitrate level was 0, the ammonia 0.1, and the nitrate 2.0. I have no clue what the issue is because I think I am doing everything correctly. any insight would be super helpful. do I have to empty the tank completely and clean it out with soap or something?

very very very important issue here, API stress coat contains aloe vera, which is toxic to axolotls. aloe vera not only breaks down into ammonia very quickly, but can also kill your axolotl. tub them immediately and examine your axolotl for signs of stress.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

Anytime you have a tank near sunlight, you're going to encounter algae problems. Most of it is harmless but really ugly. Another option is relocating the tank but this may not necessarily be ideal, depending on the room's set up.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

very very very important issue here, API stress coat contains aloe vera, which is toxic to axolotls. aloe vera not only breaks down into ammonia very quickly, but can also kill your axolotl. tub them immediately and examine your axolotl for signs of stress.

I've heard that as well. Aloe vera can expand the slime coat and make it difficult for the amphibian to breathe if overdosed, causing it to suffocate. I second this, OP.

 

[evelyn_003]

Anytime you have a tank near sunlight, you're going to encounter algae problems. Most of it is harmless but really ugly. Another option is relocating the tank but this may not necessarily be ideal, depending on the room's set up.

I just put a background I. I’m in a dorm room so there only really one place to put it.

 

[evelyn_003]

very very very important issue here, API stress coat contains aloe vera, which is toxic to axolotls. aloe vera not only breaks down into ammonia very quickly, but can also kill your axolotl. tub them immediately and examine your axolotl for signs of stress.

Okay. I just cycled out all of the water completely and won’t use it again. I will monitor them for signs of stress. Is the quick start still okay to use?

 

[evelyn_003]

I've heard that as well. Aloe vera can expand the slime coat and make it difficult for the amphibian to breathe if overdosed, causing it to suffocate. I second this, OP.

Okay. I’ve changed out the water and will not die it again.

 

[evelyn_003]

Okay. I’ve changed out the water and will not die it again.

Do it. Sorry typo.

if you replaced the filter and did a 100% water change, you definitely crashed your cycle.
i assume that the parameters you listed are from before changing everything out. your main issue seems to be an algae bloom, likely caused by having your tank directly next to a window. sunlight + water = algae. algae isnt a bad thing, but it can be unsightly. i would follow wolfens advice of getting some plants as well as a background, i find that pothos works very well as eliminating algae. keep in mind that pothos is a terresterial plant, but can be grown hydroponically via putting the roots in the top of the tank. as far as aquatic plants, elodea works wonderfully for me.
also, nice stroodies! i have a little aqualoft for my axolotl, but she never uses it.

I’ll look into getting those plants and have put up a makeshift background until I can make something better. One of the axolotls really likes her platform (spinach). But the other is completely indifferent towards it. He really enjoys the bubbles though.

 

[wolfen]

quick start is bottled bacteria which is fine to be added especially if there is a chance that the bacteria in the filtration has been harmed.
keep an eye on the water levels ie.. ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
if your tank still gets algae bloom (pea soup) there are produces that are safe to use such as barley straw extract.
never do more than 50% water change unless under emergency, always dechlorinate before adding to tank.

 

[RJF9020]

very very very important issue here, API stress coat contains aloe vera, which is toxic to axolotls. aloe vera not only breaks down into ammonia very quickly, but can also kill your axolotl. tub them immediately and examine your axolotl for signs of stress.

I second this.. some of the API water conditioners have the aloe and I believe that’s what caused my first axi to jump out of the tank in search of greener pastures. There’s more axolotl appropriate treatments on the market.

 

[Autistic Catholic]

I second this.. some of the API water conditioners have the aloe and I believe that’s what caused my first axi to jump out of the tank in search of greener pastures. There’s more axolotl appropriate treatments on the market.

Oh no! I remember that. Poor Freckles She was beautiful!