Do I have to cycle??

[Demonrapid]

Hi everyone! I set up a new tank with water from the previous tank I had (where my Axolotls was) and more than half with new freshwater but not completely clean, meaning it’s not new and already has bacteria in it, I buy it from a place that has a lake and they take the water from there. I’ve always used this water for my axolotl and never have issues. I was wondering if I still need to cycle the water before putting my axolotl in the tank. I’ve been cycling it for 24 hours now. Thank you!

 

[SlirusW]

Hi everyone! I set up a new tank with water from the previous tank I had (where my Axolotls was) and more than half with new freshwater but not completely clean, meaning it’s not new and already has bacteria in it, I buy it from a place that has a lake and they take the water from there. I’ve always used this water for my axolotl and never have issues. I was wondering if I still need to cycle the water before putting my axolotl in the tank. I’ve been cycling it for 24 hours now. Thank you!

The nitrogen cycle usually takes weeks, and continues to cycle no matter what. Water from your previous tank can help the cycling process faster but doesn't do much, you can take filter media or squeeze previously used sponge filters into your new tank. Applying some previous decor temporarily will also boost the cycle. Apply all this, and it'll be ready. (Add some beneficial bacteria if you have some, the old decor and filter media/sponge flter also serves good purpose for instant cycling a new tank from a previous because of the bacteria that resides in them )

 

[wolfen]

it is always best to cycle a tank/filter even if it has had prior use.
because of the lack of substrate etc.. in axolotl tanks it is more a case of cycling the filter to fit the tank, although there are some bacteria in the water the amount is very small (for the amount of bacteria to keep a tank cycled to be in the water would cause it to be very cloudy ie.. bacteria bloom).
even if the filter media is already colonised the filter will still need cycling to ensure it is suitable for the tank.

 

[SlirusW]

it is always best to cycle a tank/filter even if it has had prior use.
because of the lack of substrate etc.. in axolotl tanks it is more a case of cycling the filter to fit the tank, although there are some bacteria in the water the amount is very small (for the amount of bacteria to keep a tank cycled to be in the water would cause it to be very cloudy ie.. bacteria bloom).
even if the filter media is already colonised the filter will still need cycling to ensure it is suitable for the tank.

Nah dude i instant cycle sometimes from previous tanks, water tested everything with almost near or the same results as my previous. Nitrates were fine, and Ph was soft. ( referring to other caudates i keep not axolotls) It's really not just filter media and your water to just add. previous Decor already provides everything essesntial to help already such as aquarium stones, wood, etc.. it really depends how you go about it. It wouldn't be instantly ready but will be after everything settles in a few days and is ready for testing.

 

[SlirusW]

Testing is really important during the events of cycling or instant cycling.. other than that I dont test after my tanks are cycled and fully established, just simple water changes.

 

[SlirusW]

I know this because I used to keep things like barebottom freshwater and reef tanks lol so substrate really isnt just a main source.

 

[wolfen]

I know this because I used to keep things like barebottom freshwater and reef tanks lol so substrate really isnt just a main source.

if you look at the majority of axolotl tank setups they are bare bones, as a substrate it is normally sand or bare bottom (sand isn't normally transferred from tank to tank), most ornaments are scarce and non porous so any bacteria is surface bacteria.
as for axolotls because they are carnivorous their waste is very high in nitrogen compounds so the ammonia level is high (think oscar level), unlike a fish of equal waste output axolotl tanks are actually quite small due to not requiring a large area to swim in.
an adult axolotl can produce up to 4ppm of ammonia / 11ppm nitrites per day (sometimes more if the tank is too small) so if the filtration can't remove that amount there are major problems, this is the reason axolotl tanks need to be cycled at 4ppm (basically future proofing the tank for when the axolotl becomes an adult)

 

[SlirusW]

oscars need a really large volume of water, axolotls can do fine in a 40-50 gal at most, the water volume is pretty much different on each. Mainly the bacteria is on your rock decor or filter media (commonly where the bacteria are at) adding previous water would help give out nturients through your new tanks water collumn. For ammonia It shouldn't be much to worry, the cycle would be instant but not too instant i'd wait for 2 weeks before water changing. My trick is to add bb inside the filter, prior to every water change. They could however place their axolotl in a temporary tub and do daily water changes while that waits on.

 

[SlirusW]

i've done this method many times, even the most experience of people who are better than me at the hobby priortize in this if given the chance. I've personally done it with recent newts I own, my tank never crashed cause I was monitoring my water chemistry lol.

 

[SlirusW]

if you look at the majority of axolotl tank setups they are bare bones, as a substrate it is normally sand or bare bottom (sand isn't normally transferred from tank to tank), most ornaments are scarce and non porous so any bacteria is surface bacteria.
as for axolotls because they are carnivorous their waste is very high in nitrogen compounds so the ammonia level is high (think oscar level), unlike a fish of equal waste output axolotl tanks are actually quite small due to not requiring a large area to swim in.
an adult axolotl can produce up to 4ppm of ammonia / 11ppm nitrites per day (sometimes more if the tank is too small) so if the filtration can't remove that amount there are major problems, this is the reason axolotl tanks need to be cycled at 4ppm (basically future proofing the tank for when the axolotl becomes an adult)

However, if they're a new axolotl keeper then cycling the tank like how you recommended to them is a good idea. (Patience is where axolotl keepers mess up on)

 

[wolfen]

I always add bottled bacteria 24hrs after a water change rather than prior to help replenish any bacteria that may have been damaged or killed due to any residual chlorines.
be aware if the filter bacteria is left for any period of time without food ie.. ammonia.. the colony size will reduce, due to this always do regular tests to monitor ammonia and nitrites levels until sure that the filtration is running correctly once the tank is restocked.

 

[SlirusW]

I always add bottled bacteria 24hrs after a water change rather than prior to help replenish any bacteria that may have been damaged or killed due to any residual chlorines.
be aware if the filter bacteria is left for any period of time without food ie.. ammonia.. the colony size will reduce, due to this always do regular tests to monitor ammonia and nitrites levels until sure that the filtration is running correctly once the tank is restocked.

I agree with this too , its best to drop in pellets every now and then for the bacteria to feed on in continue to grow and converting from nitrite to nitrate.

 

[SlirusW]

I usually add in some snails to help with this

 

[Salamander_Mummy]

I have what looks like a mini swamp set up for my salamanders.

My tank water is usually see-though black tea looking in colour and always tests within range.

I add filtered/screened rain water (which I collect during rainy days); benefits of being out in the country instead of living in a big city.

And my salamanders love it as they are happy and healthy...

I try to make it as natural to the outside elements as possible as my specific species also go through brumation during my cold Canadian winters.

I am happy to see them active and eating again as they were in brumation for five months.