What should I do (cycling my tank)

[Graveyardgnome20]

I didn’t cycle my axolotls 29 gallon when I get them in April. They have been fine since, their water is at 65f and they eat normally. I have a 55 gallon I bought for the two of them. I don’t know how to cycle but I found a reddit that helped me understand. I’m still worried I’m gonna mess up and I’m not sure what I should do.

I was thinking maybe I could buy a bunch of plants and cycle it that way? I’m using a filter for the 29 gallon too. So I’m not sure. I’m just really worried, I love my axolotls. I’m willing to spend the money to cycle their tank. I just think I’m gonna mess it up, are there any alternatives? I really don’t want my axolotls to die because I didn’t know how to do something.

I am willing to cycle their tank. I’m just worried I’m gonna mess it up. So I’m looking for other alternatives.

 

[QueenOfPigeons69]

Hello!

Cycling the tank before putting in the axolotls would have been the best-case scenario, but since you have had them in the tank since April, they have started the cycle. Normally, people will put hardy fish in the water to create waste and start a cycle before putting their "desired" or more "fragile" fish into the tank. If the axolotls appear to be healthy and the water parameters are in the optimal range, you don't have to worry about a cycle because the axolotls have done that for you.

 

[Lilibugz]

I’d get an api master test kit and test and test the water of their current tank and use it to help cycle the new one. Your 29 gallon should be cycled by now since you have had the axolotls in it for a few months.
What filter are you currently using in the 29 gal tank? I’d it’s rated high enough you may just be able to put the filter and substrate from the 29 gal into the 55 gal and not have to worry about restarting with cycling.
Also plants will definitely help the cycle but I’d still recommend a filter.

If you need more explanation for how the nitrogen cycle works heres a lil summary
Animal produces waste that becomes ammonia which is dangerous. With ammonia present, nitrites will form to eat the ammonia, nitrites are less dangerous but still not good. With nitrites present, nitrates form to eat nitrites, nitrates are only dangerous in high quantities. The nitrate levels can be lowered with weekly 10-30% water changes.
Hopefully that’s helpful!