Struggling with ammonia?!? Help?!

[hairdressica]

So I'm really struggling with my ammonia levels in my tank - I bought Bowie just over a week ago with no knowledge of having to cycle a tank (thank you to the lady in the pet shop)

I've been testing my water daily and keep getting the same readings
Water temp is between 15-18 celcius
pH is 7.2-7.6
AMMONIA has been rising from the initial .25 to 1.0-2.0 as of late

I've been going to a different shop and I bought a product under advice of one of the staff members (who has helped me get this far after my atrocious first staff member- she's had axies of her own so I assume she knows what's up) She recommend I put API Ammo Lock in my tank every two days for a week - with Stress Coat and Quick Start - without changing the water to see if it helps to detoxify the levels

Bowie has been as active - and crazy- as what I assume is the usual and is still eating 2worms a day/every two days (I tried feeding the pellets but he isn't interest? Why not?)

This is my current tank- I'm looking for a bigger one so I can cycle it before moving Bowie to it.

Any words of advice for a first time Axie owner?

 

[Donna001]

I have attached some links to cycling information on a fish forum that I use, and I hope that they are helpful.
FISH-IN CYCLING WITH FISH - HOW TO DO IT | Think Fish Tropical Aquarium Forum
FISHLESS CYCLING - HOW TO DO IT | Think Fish Tropical Aquarium Forum

One of the things that would be really helpful for you is to get some filter media from a mature tank. Do you know any other local axolotl/fish keeprs that could help you there? That would provide you with a small amount of all the beneficial bacterial needed for your tank, so it would then be a case of increasing numbers rather than growing the bacteria from scratch.

As for the ammonia, I am aware (again from the fish forum) that Seachem Prime is a declorinator that also changes the ammonia into a less toxic form, but still leaves it available for the bacteria to use.

I would strongly suggest keeping Bowie in a small container with 100% daily dechlorinated water changes while you cycle his tank. This will ensure that he is not exposed to high levels of toxins. It does involve some extra work, but it is safest for your adoarble little fella.