Question: PLEASE HELP!! My ammonia levels are too high!!

[Bambi]

About 5 weeks ago I started up my 90cm x 48cm x 40cm tank and 4 weeks ago put my 3 new Axolotls in the tank with an oxygenating plant and a new Eheim filter. I am now aware I should have waited a while for the tanks bacteria levels to increase and ammonia levels to drop etc and the cycle to happen... Unfortunately I've learnt the hard way and am now doing regular 50% water changes to keep the ammonia levels from getting too high.... (Every 2nd/3rd day)

The problem is every time I test the water the Ammonia levels are still sitting on around .50 - 1.0, the phosphate levels .25, and the ph levels 7.5.... The nitrate levels are at .0 and not changing... I've been told the ammonia levels should be going down and the nitrate levels should be going up... My Axolotls seem healthy and active and still have a good appetite (I'm feeding them every 2nd day atm) please help!!!

Thanks

 

[auntiejude]

What are you using to test the water? If it's the strips they are not very accurate, you really need the liquid tests. Your plant may be absorbing some nitrates and lowering your levels.

The best thing you can do is put your axies in tubs while you sort your tank out. Look up 'fishless cycling' and work from there.

 

[snuggly time]

I cycled my tank with my axolotl in it. It's best to do a water change every day to keep the ammonia diluted. Even if it's a small amount like 20% - 30%. Ideally the highest you want it is at 0.25 so it isn't too toxic.

Cycling a tank with the animals in it will take longer, it was almost 3 months before mine was done (although it does vary). You could take the axies out and cycle it quickly. At the moment you're diluting the ammonia so it will be slower.

Another option is to borrow something from another established tank. Like an ornament or bit of sponge from a filter to boost your cycle. If you have any friends with fish tanks you could ask.

:happy:

 

[danicc]

I agree with Becks. It may take time for all together to settle down. I used to change the water 50% in a daily basis.

 

[Bambi]

What are you using to test the water? If it's the strips they are not very accurate, you really need the liquid tests. Your plant may be absorbing some nitrates and lowering your levels.

The best thing you can do is put your axies in tubs while you sort your tank out. Look up 'fishless cycling' and work from there.

Thanks for your reply!! Ok so I removed the plant, I removed the Axolotls and put them in tubs and into the fridge (Australia is extremely hot atm and I'm worried they will overheat) is this ok? They have sleeping bags over them to block light and I have started doing 50% water changes and have fed them one pellet each (so not to over feed and produce more waste).. So far water levels have stayed the same but will test again in a few days...

 

[Bambi]

I cycled my tank with my axolotl in it. It's best to do a water change every day to keep the ammonia diluted. Even if it's a small amount like 20% - 30%. Ideally the highest you want it is at 0.25 so it isn't too toxic.

Cycling a tank with the animals in it will take longer, it was almost 3 months before mine was done (although it does vary). You could take the axies out and cycle it quickly. At the moment you're diluting the ammonia so it will be slower.

Another option is to borrow something from another established tank. Like an ornament or bit of sponge from a filter to boost your cycle. If you have any friends with fish tanks you could ask.

:happy:

Thanks for the advice. I'm trying the Axolotls in tubs thing as I'm concerned the consistent water changes whilst also trying to keep the temperature down (it just turned summer in Australia and it is HOT) will be rather difficult. As even the water from the taps are warm and it's impossible to fit enough tubs in the fridge to cool down first. Hopefully they are ok I. The fridge and the tank cycles soon