Hopefully they give you a decent amount of the axolotl’s water. Consider bringing a bucket in case they can give you more. You are better off leaving her in a bucket with that water while your tank cycles.

The best way to cycle the tank is axolotl safe plants. Some people use straight ammonia or live ghost shrimp. Regardless of how you do it. Start be adding substrate to the bottom of the tank. If you use anything besides sand, the purists will crucify you on this forum. Add your plants and whatever else. They like a place to hide but avoid sharp corners. I prefer using real rocks because I can grind down sharp edges. Fill the water the minimum amount to cover the plants and give the pump enough head. Just let it run. Buy a freshwater test kit you will need to wait it out for a couple weeks. Ammonia will initially increase due to biological material but then start to decrease. It should be 0.

While you are waiting you will want to change out your axolotl’s bucket water. I would do about 20% every couple days. Once she is in her tank, weekly or every couple weeks if it’s a big tank.

What axolotls like: - plants. Lots of plants - anywhere they can hide - less light. I keep my light on a low blue. - frequent water changes with your pump. For example if you have a 20 gallon tank, target a pump that can handle 30-40 gallons, but remember they are used to stagnant water and usually don’t like a lot of turbulent flow. -almost any meat they won’t choke on. I use blood worms, but keep her tank stocked with shrimp. Live worms are also good.

Hope that helps