How to Cycle Your New Aquarium — The EASY Way!
Beginner Friendly!
By West Florida Axolotls & Exotics
If you don't have the patience to properly cycle an aquarium, an axolotl might not be the right pet for you!
Psst... There's a hidden coupon code waiting for you at the end!
So, You Bought an Aquarium. Now What?
You've picked out your tank, filled it with water, and found the perfect spot for your new axolotl.
Ready to move your new gilled roommate into their forever home?
Not so fast!
Before they can move in, there's one VERY important thing you need to do.
CYCLE THAT TANK!
An uncycled aquarium can be dangerous, even if the water looks perfectly clean.
But don't worry! I'm going to show you how to do it in 7 easy steps!
What Is the Nitrogen Cycle, Anyway?
Axolotls are adorable, but they're not exactly known for cleaning up after themselves!
Their waste, uneaten food, and other debris release toxic chemicals into the water.
Luckily, nature has its own cleanup crew!
Beneficial bacteria grow throughout your aquarium, especially inside your filter, and help process waste.
Here's how it works:
Stage 1: Ammonia — BAD!
As waste breaks down, it releases ammonia, which is highly toxic to axolotls.
The first group of beneficial bacteria converts ammonia into nitrite.
Stage 2: Nitrite — ALSO BAD!
Unfortunately, nitrite is also toxic!
Thankfully, another group of bacteria converts nitrite into nitrate.
Stage 3: Nitrate — Much Better!
Nitrate is less toxic than ammonia or nitrite, but too much can still be harmful.
That's why regular water changes are important!
See that wasn't so difficult!
Cycling your aquarium means establishing enough beneficial bacteria to process waste before your axolotl moves in.
What Happens If You Skip Cycling?
Without enough beneficial bacteria, toxic ammonia and nitrite can build up, seriously harming or even killing your axolotl.
Never place your axolotl in an uncycled aquarium!
Already Have Your Axolotl?
No problem!
Your axolotl can stay in a separate, appropriately sized tub with cool, dechlorinated water and 100% daily water changes while their aquarium cycles.
Want to learn how to properly tub your axolotl? Click below for our step-by-step tubbing guide!
How Long Does Cycling Take?
Ah, the million-dollar question!
Unfortunately, there's no magic number.
Some aquariums cycle in a few weeks, while others may take two months or longer.
Running your filter for 24 hours doesn't automatically mean your aquarium is cycled.
Your water test results determine when your aquarium is ready, not the calendar!
A Word of Caution About Pet Stores!
Unfortunately, not all pet stores provide accurate information about the animals they sell.
Some are more focused on making a sale than ensuring customers understand proper animal care. This can lead to misinformation that puts animals at risk.
Just because someone works at a pet store doesn't mean they're knowledgeable about the animals they're selling!
This applies to animal care in general, not just axolotls.
Please don't let a pet store dictate how you care for an animal, especially if they have no firsthand experience breeding, raising, or caring for that species.
Instead, seek guidance from experienced breeders, species-specific experts, and reliable care resources. Even experienced people can be wrong, so always verify the information you're given.
And remember, if you're ever unsure or have questions about your axolotl's care, you're always welcome to contact me! I'm happy to help you give your new gilled roommate the best care possible.
Your animal's health and well-being should always come before someone's desire to make a sale!
Want to Speed Things Up?
Here are a couple of tricks that may help!
1. Add a Temporary Heater
Warmer water can encourage beneficial bacteria to grow faster, potentially shortening the cycling process.
IMPORTANT: Only use a temporary heater while cycling an EMPTY aquarium!
Before the final cycling test, remove the heater and allow the water to cool to your axolotl's normal temperature of 60–68°F.
Never introduce your axolotl while the aquarium is still too warm!
2. Give Your Bacteria a Head Start!
Don't feel like waiting for all those tiny workers to show up on their own?
Seachem Stability is a bottled bacteria supplement that may help establish your aquarium's biological filter faster!
Simply shake the bottle and follow the dosing instructions on the label.
Remember: Stability may help speed things up, but it doesn't mean your aquarium is instantly cycled! Your tank must still pass the required 4 ppm ammonia test within 24 hours before your axolotl moves
What Do You Need to Start Cycling Your Aquarium?
Good news! You don't need a shopping cart full of expensive products!
Here are the three essential products you'll need to start cycling your aquarium:
1. API Freshwater Master Test Kit
The nitrogen cycle is invisible, so testing your water is how you'll know what's happening.
This kit measures ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH.
Think of it as your aquarium's report card!
IMPORTANT TESTING TIP!
Some API test solutions, especially Nitrate Bottle #2, can have particles that settle and become stuck at the bottom of the bottle.
Before testing, make sure the cap is tightly closed. Firmly slam the bottom of the plastic bottle against a counter a few times to help loosen any settled material, being careful not to damage the bottle. Then shake vigorously!
For Nitrate Bottle #2, shake for at least 30 seconds, then shake the capped test tube for one full minute after adding the reagents.
Failing to mix the solutions properly can cause inaccurate readings, including falsely low nitrate results.
Always follow the testing instructions included with your kit!
2. Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride
Since there's no axolotl producing waste yet, we'll add a controlled ammonia source ourselves.
Avoid household ammonia containing fragrances, soaps, or other additives.
3. Seachem Prime
Tap water often contains chlorine or chloramine, which can harm beneficial bacteria.
Seachem Prime removes these disinfectants when used according to its instructions.
We recommend avoiding conditioners with unnecessary additives like aloe, tea tree oil, or slime-coat ingredients.
Got all three? Fantastic! Let's get cycling!
7 Steps to a Cycled Axolotl Tank!
Follow each step carefully and keep a record of your water test results.
Ready? Let's go!
Step 1: Build the Treatment Plant
First things first!
Set up your aquarium with its filter, air pump, and axolotl-safe decorations or substrate.
Fill it with water and add Seachem Prime according to the instructions.
Now turn on your equipment!
Your filter media is one of the main places your beneficial bacteria will live.
Keep your filter running 24/7!
Step 1 Summary
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Set up your aquarium and equipment.
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Dechlorinate your water.
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Keep your filter and air pump running.
Step 2: Inspect the Water
Before we put our bacteria to work, let's check their working conditions!
Using your API Master Test Kit, check your pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
For axolotls, we recommend a stable pH between 7.0 and 8.0.
Low pH can slow down or even stall your cycle, so check it every few days.
What About GH and KH?
You may hear people talking about GH and KH, too.
Don't worry! They're easier to understand than they sound!
GH (General Hardness) measures minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water. Axolotls need these minerals to stay healthy.
Recommended GH: 7–14 dGH
KH (Carbonate Hardness) helps keep your pH stable. Think of it as your aquarium's protection against sudden pH drops!
Recommended KH: 3–8 dKH
Your API Freshwater Master Test Kit doesn't measure GH or KH, so you'll need a separate test kit to check them.
Need to check your water hardness? Click the button below!
What If Your pH Drops Below 7?
Don't panic!
As beneficial bacteria process ammonia, your pH can gradually decrease.
Try a partial water change and test again. This may help if your tap water contains enough buffering minerals.
If your pH keeps dropping, low KH could be the reason!
Need to Adjust Your Water?
Here are three natural options that may help!
Crushed Coral — Helps Raise pH and KH
Crushed coral slowly releases minerals that can increase water hardness and help raise or stabilize pH.
This can be useful if your water is too acidic or doesn't have enough buffering capacity.
Peat Moss — Helps Lower pH
Peat moss releases natural acids and tannins that can gradually lower pH.
Its effectiveness depends on your water's existing mineral content and KH. It may also give your water a brownish tint.
Indian Almond Leaves — May Gently Lower pH
Also known as catappa leaves, these release natural tannins and mild organic acids into the water.
They may gradually lower pH, especially in water with low KH.
They can also turn your aquarium water a light tea color. Don't worry, that's normal!
Want to try Indian almond leaves? Click below to purchase them!
IMPORTANT: Always test your pH, GH, and KH before making adjustments. These materials don't produce the same results in every aquarium.
If your water is already within the recommended ranges, there's no reason to change it!
Make adjustments gradually and continue monitoring your water.
Remember: We're aiming for stable water conditions, not perfect numbers!
Step 2 Summary
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Test your starting water parameters.
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Aim for pH 7.0–8.0.
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Recommended GH: 7–14 dGH.
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Recommended KH: 3–8 dKH.
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Check pH every few days.
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Investigate repeated pH drops.
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Adjust water hardness only when necessary.
Step 3: Feed the Employees!
Time to put our invisible cleanup crew to work!
Using Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride, add enough ammonia to reach approximately 2 ppm.
Follow the bottle's dosing instructions based on your aquarium's actual water volume.
Wait about an hour for the ammonia to circulate, then test again.
Too low? Carefully add a little more.
Far too high? A partial water change can help lower it.
Now begin testing your ammonia daily.
Important: Don't automatically add ammonia every day. If your previous dose hasn't been processed, there's no need to add more!
We want to feed our bacteria, not bury them in leftovers!
Step 3 Summary
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Dose ammonia to approximately 2 ppm.
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Wait one hour and verify.
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Test ammonia daily.
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Only add more when needed.
Step 4: Wait for the First Crew!
After some time, you'll notice ammonia levels beginning to drop.
Where did it go?
Your beneficial bacteria are getting to work!
As ammonia is converted, nitrite begins appearing.
Congratulations! Your cycle is progressing!
Start testing ammonia and nitrite daily.
When ammonia approaches zero, add another measured dose as needed, provided nitrite hasn't become excessively high.
Be patient! Your second crew is still getting settled.
Step 4 Summary
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Watch ammonia decrease.
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Look for nitrite to appear.
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Test ammonia and nitrite daily.
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Continue measured ammonia dosing as needed.
Step 5: Manage the Nitrite Spike!
Your first bacterial crew is working hard, but now nitrite may be piling up!
Don't panic! This is a normal part of cycling.
As your second group of bacteria develops, nitrite begins decreasing while nitrate is produced.
This stage can take longer, so patience is key!
If nitrite becomes extremely high or exceeds your test kit's range, avoid adding unnecessary ammonia. A partial water change may help bring readings back into a measurable range.
Once ammonia and nitrite can both return to zero, you're getting close!
But don't move your axolotl in just yet!
Step 5 Summary
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Watch nitrite rise and eventually decrease.
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Test for nitrate.
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Avoid excessive ammonia and nitrite buildup.
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Wait for ammonia and nitrite to reach zero.
Step 6: Final Inspection!
This is it! Time to see if your bacteria are ready for the big job!
Your aquarium MUST process 4 ppm ammonia within 24 hours before your axolotl can move in!
Here's exactly what to do:
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Make sure ammonia and nitrite both read 0 ppm.
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Add Dr. Tim's Ammonium Chloride until ammonia reaches 4 ppm.
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Confirm the 4 ppm reading with your test kit.
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Wait 24 hours with your filter running.
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Test ammonia and nitrite again.
To pass, BOTH must read:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
If either reading is above zero, your aquarium isn't ready yet.
Continue cycling and repeat the test when appropriate.
But if both read zero...
CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR AQUARIUM PASSED!
Step 6 Summary
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Dose ammonia to 4 ppm.
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Wait 24 hours.
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BOTH ammonia and nitrite must return to zero.
Step 7: Clean Up!
Your aquarium passed its final inspection!
Now it's time to prepare for your new gilled roommate.
Nitrate has likely accumulated during cycling, so perform partial water changes as needed to bring it below 20 ppm.
Always use dechlorinated water and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.
Then check your water one last time!
Your Final Water Checklist
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
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pH: 7.0–8.0
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GH: 7–14 dGH
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KH: 3–8 dKH
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Temperature: 60–68°F
If everything checks out...
YOUR NEW GILLED ROOMMATE CAN FINALLY MOVE IN!
Step 7 Summary
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Lower nitrate below 20 ppm.
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Use dechlorinated water.
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Retest and confirm safe parameters.
Your Water Testing Cheat Sheet
Not sure what your test results mean?
Use our handy cheat sheet to help understand your aquarium's water parameters and when water changes are necessary.
This cheat sheet is intended primarily for maintaining a cycled aquarium.
What If Your Axolotl Isn't Ready to Move In?
No problem!
If your aquarium is cycled but your axolotl hasn't arrived, keep your filter running and periodically provide a measured ammonia source to maintain your beneficial bacteria.
Before introducing your axolotl, confirm your aquarium still passes the required 4 ppm test at the intended aquarium temperature, with both ammonia and nitrite returning to zero within 24 hours.
You Did It! And I'm Proud of You!
I want you to know that I'm proud of you for making it this far!
I know it isn't easy being patient, especially when you're excited to get your new axolotl settled into their forever home.
But instead of rushing the process, you took the time to do things right.
And trust me, your new gilled roommate will thank you for it!
Your patience is one of the best gifts you can give your axolotl!
Just remember, the nitrogen cycle continues even after your axolotl moves in. Keep testing your water and performing regular maintenance to keep their home safe and healthy!
Psst... You Found the Hidden Coupon Code!
As a thank-you for taking the time to properly prepare your aquarium, we've got a little treat for you!
Use coupon code cycledtank at checkout for a special discount!
Happy cycling!
West Florida Axolotls & Exotics