Urgent help needed I’m failing my pet

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PixieKez

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Hi all. Really need your help. I cycled my tank but after putting my little guy in it went wonky. Constant high ammonia spikes and seeing the effects on his gills. I’m trying to do an in fish cycle as I don’t have another tank but it’s not working. Nitrite was going up then small sign of nitrates but now back to just ammonia all the time. I’m using prime seachem to keep him comfortable but it’s not even lasting 24hrs. I’m really worried and I don’t know what to do - really appreciate your help!
 
PixieKez said:
Hi all. Really need your help. I cycled my tank but after putting my little guy in it went wonky. Constant high ammonia spikes and seeing the effects on his gills. I’m trying to do an in fish cycle as I don’t have another tank but it’s not working. Nitrite was going up then small sign of nitrates but now back to just ammonia all the time. I’m using prime seachem to keep him comfortable but it’s not even lasting 24hrs. I’m really worried and I don’t know what to do - really appreciate your help!
Click to expand...
Apologies I should have said it’s a grey axolotl
 
how was the tank initially cycled? what filtration are you using?
your axolotl will need to be tubbed whilst the tank is being cycled.
using holfreters solution will help against the effects of ammonia and nitrites, you may also need methyline blue baths if he/she was exposed to high nitrites for a prolonged period of time.
seachem prime will lock away the ammonia but it wont help the tank cycle but make it take longer to cycle.
holfreters info here.. Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity
 
PixieKez said:
Hi all. Really need your help. I cycled my tank but after putting my little guy in it went wonky. Constant high ammonia spikes and seeing the effects on his gills. I’m trying to do an in fish cycle as I don’t have another tank but it’s not working. Nitrite was going up then small sign of nitrates but now back to just ammonia all the time. I’m using prime seachem to keep him comfortable but it’s not even lasting 24hrs. I’m really worried and I don’t know what to do - really appreciate your help!
Click to expand...
immediately tub your axolotl, it is very dangerous for him to be in the tank while it's cycling. some fish can handle fish cycling but axolotls are far too fragile, as they absorb things through their skin as all amphibians do.
if you have a local fish store in your area, go and ask if you can have/buy some water and cycled filter media from them to kickstart the cycle.
 
axolotl nerd said:
immediately tub your axolotl, it is very dangerous for him to be in the tank while it's cycling. some fish can handle fish cycling but axolotls are far too fragile, as they absorb things through their skin as all amphibians do.
if you have a local fish store in your area, go and ask if you can have/buy some water and cycled filter media from them to kickstart the cycle.
Click to expand...
we will also need pictures of your axolotl and information about them. age, size, diet, etc. this will make it easier for us to give you advice
 
axolotl nerd said:
we will also need pictures of your axolotl and information about them. age, size, diet, etc. this will make it easier for us to give you advice
Click to expand...
He is a black melanoid and I have judged he is a boy because he has balls! I’m not sure his age I thought it was impossible to tell after they reach adulthood? I think he may have been a juvenile adult as he was eating every day but now reduced so likely fully grown!
 

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wolfen said:
how was the tank initially cycled? what filtration are you using?
your axolotl will need to be tubbed whilst the tank is being cycled.
using holfreters solution will help against the effects of ammonia and nitrites, you may also need methyline blue baths if he/she was exposed to high nitrites for a prolonged period of time.
seachem prime will lock away the ammonia but it wont help the tank cycle but make it take longer to cycle.
holfreters info here.. Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity
Click to expand...
I cycled correctly by adding ammonia and testing water so went from ammonia to nitrites then nitrates and established the bacteria. But I did a 25% water change before adding my guy which I think interrupted the cycle and it’s been a problem since. I started with a new biological sponge filter which is a canister (was advised it was the best one). Since I am struggling I added a second smaller sponge filter. Thanks for your advice looking it up now to use
 
axolotl nerd said:
immediately tub your axolotl, it is very dangerous for him to be in the tank while it's cycling. some fish can handle fish cycling but axolotls are far too fragile, as they absorb things through their skin as all amphibians do.
if you have a local fish store in your area, go and ask if you can have/buy some water and cycled filter media from them to kickstart the cycle.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot I didn’t realise it was so much worse for them. He will be in the tub ASAP!
 
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