Question: Murky water/Ammonia testing kits?

[littleaxolover]

I recently got a new leucistic axolotl about a month ago and for the longest time,his water was clear and perfectly fine. Multiple people recommended that we buy a sponge filter for his tank,which we had ordered a couple weeks in advance to his arrival.

When we put the filter in (we cleaned it as the instructions suggested),the water was fine for a few days,but a bout a week after,everything started to become really foggy. It got to the point where I can barely see him in his tank now. I was wondering if anyone might know how to get rid of this problem? Maybe getting him a different filter? His water is filtered out and replaced with bottled drinking water with added drops of AquaSafe just in case.

I was also wondering what kits were recommended to test his ammonia,nitrite,and nitrate levels? I've seen several brands at the pet and aquarium stores,but wanted to ask what everyone here prefers.

I'll try to attach pictures of what his tank water looked like before and after the water became foggy.

 

[SammyTheLotus]

Hi there!
The cloudiness in your tank could be due to a bacterial bloom, this often happens during the cycling process!
I'm not sure if you're familiar with the bacterial cycle that needs to be present in an Axolotl aquarium, I'd suggest to google it if you aren't sure what I'm talking about! ?
I personally only use the API master test kit, it gives accurate readings for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph levels! The paper strips are cheaper but they're not nearly as accurate, so I'd really recommend the liquid testing kit!

 

[Donna001]

I also use the API Master test kit. It is more accurate and works out a lot cheaper per test than the strips.
Here is a link to the nitrogen cycle, which is very important for the health of your lovely little one.
Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling
:happy:

 

[littleaxolover]

Thank you! I actually went out today and bought the kit to test his water. Any suggestions on how to lower the levels if they're a little high?

 

[CatSpit]

If the tests show levels of ammonia, nitrite or high nitrates, a partial water change with conditioned water will help to reduce these. Keep up with the testing to see how often you need to do partial water changes to keep your levels down. Never remove all of the water from your aquarium as that will mean it has to start "cycling" all over again, just do partial water changes. I usually change out about 20% of my water with new conditioned water as needed.

 

[Canecorsonewt]

If your tank isn't fully cycled . I would do 20% water changes daily in till fully cycled. If your not using chemicals to help cycle tank. Plus i use airline tubing to sighon water in and out of aquarium. Less water moment less stress.

 

[littleaxolover]

I do siphon his water to help clean out his tank. I'll try changing the water daily to see if that reduces the ammonia. Thank you for suggestions!

 

[Donna001]

20% water changes until your tan has finished cycling (several weeks) is the best way forward.
Please keep us posted on your progress. :happy: