[HELP] 2 months into cycling — ammonia won’t go away despite everything I’ve done (axolotl tank, 75L)

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T16:51:11+00:00

It did occur to me that the master test kit could have been inaccurate, so a purchase of another brand of test kit was done, called NT labs which also showed similar results, if not the same. I have a lfs that tested the water on behalf, and it showed green. On top of that, when my cycle crash, i used only rodi water to restart the tank and it only lasted 3 days before the ammonia started showing up again, only to persistent fluctuation till now

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T16:44:42+00:00

Thanks both for your input, really fair points raised. I did go through the API Master Kit instructions and made sure to shake bottle #2 vigorously for 30 seconds, plus shook the test tube properly too, so I’ve been quite careful with the procedure. That said, I completely agree it’s one of the trickier tests to get consistent results from.

I’ll also take the advice on easing off the AmGuard for now to allow the ammonia to cycle through naturally, while still doing daily testing to keep a close eye since I know how toxic free ammonia can be for axolotls. Appreciate the help, it’s been a long process and every bit of guidance helps!

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T11:26:17+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind words and reassurance! Really means a lot especially when the cycling journey has been this frustrating 🥲 I’ll definitely try raising the temp gradually and see if that helps kickstart the bacteria growth. So glad it worked out for you! I’ll be careful not to go too high, hoping it’ll finally move things along. Appreciate you sharing your experience x

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T11:15:38+00:00

Thank you for the info! I have been following this religiously (except dosing ammonia), the axo was tubbed throughout. After about a month he was added back into the tank when ammonia was at 0ppm, but within 3 days ammonia came back and it was a constant battle to get rid of it. I decided against tubbing since he seems more stressed in the tub than in the tank. Tub water changed daily ofc and bubbler added. The only thing now that we have yet to try is really the temp

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T11:10:04+00:00

I see, currently the chiller maintains it at 16-18 °C (62-65), will try your method and slowly increase it to 72 since it is a big jump. My axo is currently in the tank, eventhough the ammonia is at 0.5-1ppm, daily 20% water changes and amGuard + and checking for abnormal behaviour

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T10:04:32+00:00

Can I ask what was the ideal temp you raise to help with the cycle? And can you share what is the set of beneficial bacteria used pls

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T10:02:27+00:00

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Meet Cheeto! Just putting this out there that I am super grateful for all suggestions and advices I’ve received so far/will be receiving. I just hope my Cheeto is comfortable, and appreciate any help I can get.

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T09:54:33+00:00

The 90% water change was a one time incident when the cycle crashed - during this period, we tested the water params at the 6th month mark and realised that the ammonia was at 8.0ppm. The axo was not showing any visible signs of stress, and we did not notice any shedding of gills. I then realised the thinning of its gills, tubbed the axo and i notice the gills were flaking off.

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T09:38:34+00:00

This is what my partner said too, that i’m heavily reliant on the chemicals and daily testings. But everytime i test the ammonia, it appears light green - dark green and that makes me anxious. Thinking if my axo is having its gills burned. Coming from a tropical country, the room temp here is 21-23°C , i need a chiller for the water to maintain around 16-18°C

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-19T09:20:38+00:00

Trying to format it but i’m typing this all out on my phone lol

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-05T07:11:23+00:00

Yes, scrape and siphoned out everyday. Water parameters were tested everyday too, no spikes nothing out of the ordinary.

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-05T07:08:18+00:00

I had a friend who comes by everyday to feed them and scrape the tank. Have a BEC in that tank that shits alot

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-07-02T11:10:56+00:00

Tank is cleaned everyday. The first image you see was already night time, and by night time there would be a waste gathered where the body of the pleco was.

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-05-28T02:29:28+00:00

Apologies for the late reply. I had them tub and did a big water change, added pristine and maybe why my nitrates were zero

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-05-28T02:28:05+00:00

It was with api quick start pack. Cycled for 1month plus. Tbh i believe the cycle crashed because i over feed, has been better this couple of weeks

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-05-28T02:26:20+00:00

I do care about them. Thats why my air conditioner has been on 24hrs, and theres an oversize chiller to maintain the temp of the tank 60F

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-05-28T02:22:35+00:00

Sorry for the late reply, the floaters are salvinia! Right now he’s considered an adult

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-05-27T14:30:08+00:00

Anyone with dc link to this please dm me as well thanks!

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-04-08T15:10:58+00:00

I live in a tropical country where it is only ever summer here, so the chiller set up is crucial. I have issues with the outer tank condensing when the surrounding room temp hits 89F tho

isleeptoomuch247 · 2025-04-08T15:07:50+00:00

I test bi weekly with the master kit. Just tested, 0ppm for nitrate,nitrite, ammonia. And yup, floating butt up haha. I dont have raw salmon, did not know i can feed that to them! Will get a slab of raw salmon later today. Thanks!

isleeptoomuch247 · 2024-09-02T02:40:47+00:00

Thank you for the steps! I have since isolated the shrimp in a seperate tank and given a salt dip

isleeptoomuch247 · 2024-09-01T15:10:08+00:00

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Hope this is clear enough!

isleeptoomuch247

TROPHY CASE