My Cycling Tank...

BeginnerReefer · 04/22/2009, 10:14 AM

Smells like fishy/urine... I've got some dried up LR (well... its no longer dry...), and BR in there. Along with some LS that sat around for a couple of days as it took longer to get the salt than expected..

No readings on anything except for ammonia which is at .05. Is this the cause for the smell? Also, lots of flow, no stagnant water.

Thanks guys!

gooyferret · 04/22/2009, 10:24 AM

I would guess the smell is from some die-off your having inside the tank. Im just setting up my 125gal after 2 years and my wife is complaining.....as usual! haha

That its smelly...Your Ammonia isnt really that high. How are you cycling your tank what you using for ammonia introduction?

JRF · 04/22/2009, 11:00 AM

The smell is most likely due to the tank beginning its cycle. I have started up many tanks and they almost always smell bad for a couple weeks ( depending on what you start off with in the tank ). I run my skimmer and it pulles out lots of gunk. Eventually the smell will go away once the cycle is complete. Be careful about adding livestock during the cycle, maybe a few crabs and snails after a couple weeks. Be patient and go slow...!

BeginnerReefer · 04/22/2009, 11:23 AM

I don't have a skimmer right now, waiting for the next paycheck to grab one up that they have at the LFS used for $40. (hang on)

I'm not using anything for ammonia, I guess I should be asking what to use? I'm really drawing a blank right now... I feel like I know... lol

JRF · 04/22/2009, 01:43 PM

Just put a couple pieces of good cured LR in the tank and that will be enough to help the cycle along. Dont add fish to cycle the tank, and patience is the only way to win in this game..

04/22/2009, 10:14 AM	#1
BeginnerReefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Middle of the Mitten Posts: 121	My Cycling Tank... Smells like fishy/urine... I've got some dried up LR (well... its no longer dry...), and BR in there. Along with some LS that sat around for a couple of days as it took longer to get the salt than expected.. No readings on anything except for ammonia which is at .05. Is this the cause for the smell? Also, lots of flow, no stagnant water. Thanks guys! __________________ -Angel “The truth is I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find out who and what I was."-MM Red House- Build Thread. Current Tank Info: 10 gal, new 90gal

04/22/2009, 10:24 AM	#2
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	I would guess the smell is from some die-off your having inside the tank. Im just setting up my 125gal after 2 years and my wife is complaining.....as usual! haha That its smelly...Your Ammonia isnt really that high. How are you cycling your tank what you using for ammonia introduction? __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

04/22/2009, 11:00 AM	#3
JRF Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: NC Posts: 594	The smell is most likely due to the tank beginning its cycle. I have started up many tanks and they almost always smell bad for a couple weeks ( depending on what you start off with in the tank ). I run my skimmer and it pulles out lots of gunk. Eventually the smell will go away once the cycle is complete. Be careful about adding livestock during the cycle, maybe a few crabs and snails after a couple weeks. Be patient and go slow...! __________________ "And God said, let the waters under the heaven be gathered unto one place.....And the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: And God saw that it was good". Current Tank Info: 220 mixed reef

04/22/2009, 11:23 AM	#4
BeginnerReefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Middle of the Mitten Posts: 121	I don't have a skimmer right now, waiting for the next paycheck to grab one up that they have at the LFS used for $40. (hang on) I'm not using anything for ammonia, I guess I should be asking what to use? I'm really drawing a blank right now... I feel like I know... lol __________________ -Angel “The truth is I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find out who and what I was."-MM Red House- Build Thread. Current Tank Info: 10 gal, new 90gal

04/22/2009, 01:43 PM	#5
JRF Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: NC Posts: 594	Just put a couple pieces of good cured LR in the tank and that will be enough to help the cycle along. Dont add fish to cycle the tank, and patience is the only way to win in this game.. __________________ "And God said, let the waters under the heaven be gathered unto one place.....And the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: And God saw that it was good". Current Tank Info: 220 mixed reef