When setting up a tank..

[vanillaXtiffy]

Would it be suitable to use water from my fish tank to help the tank cycle?

 

[Jennewt]

Yes, as long as your fish are disease-free (and no new fish were added recently). The bacteria that cycle the tank live on surfaces, so it would be more effective to use dirty rocks from the fish tank or some dirty filter media.

 

[vanillaXtiffy]

Thank you very much. Would that help it cycle any faster?

 

[Abrahm]

Thank you very much. Would that help it cycle any faster?

Yes. The addition of rocks or filter media from an already cycled tank will also bring over nitrifying bacteria. It is these bacteria that create the cycle so if you add them the tank should cycle faster than normal.

 

[vanillaXtiffy]

You guys are so helpful. Thanks. One more question, when buying a filter for axolotls, what pieces should I get? I could have sworn my old filter came with everything I needed, but now when I go looking for them at pet stores, all the pieces come separate.

 

[Kaysie]

A good quality canister filter is the best way to go. The most essential part is an appropriately sized motor, and a spray bar.

 

[vanillaXtiffy]

I got a nice filter with a flow adjuster. For now I have it on full speed, but when I get them I'll turn it down to the lowest setting. I washed the sand out, but I don't think I washed it enough. My tank is all cloudy. Will the filter+ water daily water changes help this?

 

[Abrahm]

I washed the sand out, but I don't think I washed it enough. My tank is all cloudy. Will the filter+ water daily water changes help this?

Yup. Both the filter and water changes will help remove those suspended sand particles from your water. It's also completely normal to still be a bit cloudy after you add sand. It's just the nature of the beast and it will clear up pretty quickly.

 

[vanillaXtiffy]

Thank you. The water seems to be clearing up a bit already, as I can now see the other side of the tank.