New Axolotl and new owner

[Karebear13]

Hi,

I wasn't expecting to rush the process of getting an axolotl because I wanted to have the tank cycled and ready but things happened and now I have a new axolotl that is about 3 inches long and about a month old. I have been researching a lot the past two days and need advice.

I was looking to get a ten gallon tank. I read through the sticky and wanted to get either a sponge filter or a waterfall filter. I would rather get the waterfall since it provides better filtration but I don't know if it will be too much for this tiny axolotl seeing he is only a baby. help?

Also I wanted to cycle the tank without him in it because its safer for him but now Im thinking about cycling it with him in it. He is really small and in a ten gallon tank the ammonia levels shouldn't be too harmful right? What do you guys think?

If I want to cycle the tank with him in it... DO i still need to add some ammonia substance into the tank?

[Kaysie]

A 10 gallon tank is going to be too small for an adult. It may only be 3 inches long now, but in 6 months, it could easily be pushing 10 inches. They grow fast! If you buy a 20long now, you won't go through the added frustration (and money!) of having to upgrade later. Trust me on this one. I've seen it a thousand times on this forum.

Also, having a bigger tank means you have more water volume, which helps buffer your new axolotl against bad water quality while cycling the tank. Personally, I always use a sponge filter in conjunction with a waterfall, as it keeps from getting any 'dead zones' in the tank. And you can never have too much biological filtration!

If you cycle the tank with the axolotl in it, you do NOT add additional ammonia. That will poison your axolotl. The axolotl will produce all the ammonia necessary for cycling.

[Karebear13]

Okay and also I have been using Prime... Is this okay or should I get a different type of Dechlore

[Kaysie]

You'll want to use the simplest dechlorinating agent possible, and do not use one that 'locks ammonia' or any of those other claims. Prime isn't the best choice for a tank that is just starting out.