Trouble cycling

[kellylillian]

Hey all!
I want to start off by saying that this forum has helped me in so many ways! Thank you to all of you.
I'm lucky that the wonderful lady who gave me my axolotls helps me as well. She is amazing.
Okay. Here it is. I made the mistake of not cycling my tank before adding my babies. I did so much research.. Yet missed one of the most important things! I can't seem to get my ammonia down. It stays at .5 ppm. I do daily water changes. About 20% of my 40 gallon tank. I am willing to give whatever information about my tank set up, parameters, anything you wonderful people need to help guide me.

 

[Cloppy]

What does your filter cartridge look like?

 

[kellylillian]

I'm using a sponge filter. And a submersible power filter from Wal-Mart. I put the sponge filter in a week ago. I left the other in just in case it has any of the good bacteria in it.

 

[Amyglistens]

Hi ya, yeah that is pretty high. And potentially quite dangerous if your ph level is over 7.5.
Eigher way I'd do a 50% water change and maybe add some live bio media (cleaning bacteria) to the filter to boost the process. You can't overdose on live bio media as it's none toxic so don't be affraid to add double.
Also how often are you feeding them and are you cleaning up any excess food and waste with a siphon or turkey baster?