My water reeks!

[Shrimplady]

I just cycled 4 of my tanks of water and they smell really bad. There aren't any animals in them yet, so my concern is mold. They contain a sponge filter, the substrate is oyster shells (2 in) on the bottom, airstones, and a heater. Has this happened to you at all?



thanks,
Sam

 

[gone fishin]

If your cycling/ curing your rock then it is not uncommon to get a low tide smell. Once it is complete then it should clear up.

Nice to see someone kind of local, welcome to the forum.

 

[gone fishin]

You my want to reconsider the use of the oyster shells and instead use some aragonite sand. The shells can eventually hold a lot of detritus causing issues down the road.

 

[GimpyFin]

I agree with Tony. If it were me I'd probaly get rid of the oyster shells and do an aragonite type sand. They could contributing to your smell, but I'm not certain. Never really had smelly water except when breaking down old tanks and some stuff was sitting for a while or curing rock. Aragonite is also good in that it helps keep ph stable.

 

[ssick92]

I agree with above. The oyster shells may be fine for a while but in the long run it will cause you a lot of headache once you need to start cleaning it out every weekend, especially if it is in 4 tanks...

The smell is probably due to new rocks, or too low of flow causing stagnant water and bacteria buildup.

 

[Shrimplady]

This is for an experimental challenge, I agree the oyster shells are not the best. We might keep the bacterial tanks separate and consider using bioballs instead. Thoughts?

Also, thanks for the warm welcome

 

[mcgyvr]

Airstones, sponge filters, bioballs, oyster shells..
Welcome back to the 70s

 

[GimpyFin]

Airstones, sponge filters, bioballs, oyster shells..
Welcome back to the 70s

:lol:

 

[sde1500]

you sound like my wife after I do water changes lol

 

[Shrimplady]

haha ahhh MY LIFE as a graduate student

 

[panhandler01]

i agree with everyone in regards to the oyster shells. Is there any way that you could put a couple of mesh bags of carbon in your filtration system somewhere? I had problems with tank odor once and putting carbon bags in my sump just prior to the return pump section took care of the problem.