Smelly Water?

[JJP161]

As many of you know I am rather new to all of this and I have a water question. My tank is cycled and everything has been going really good, but I have started to notice that the water is developing a distinct and strong odor.

I don't see anything dead and all of my levels are good as below. I have been feeding DT's every other day as suggested, could that be giving the water a strange odor? Also my sump filter socks has been getting clogged up very quickly.

Feeding: DT's every other day, small piece of raw shrimp to the bristle stars and anemones every 2 - 3 days. Anything left over I remove after about 15 minutes, Mytis shrimp to clowns every day.

75g
150lbs live rock
75lbs sand

70 hermits
39 snails
4 tiger tails
3 bristle stars
1 slipper lobster
1 very cool decorator crab
2 clown fish

Temp 75
PH 8.4
S.G. 1.024
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10-20

Thank-you,
Joe

 

[HowardW]

A slight 'saltwater' odor is fine, a strong odor is not normal. I would start running a top quality carbon like Seachem Matrix Carbon or Rox 0.8 which will remove any odors, and do a few 10-20% water changes over the next couple weeks.

I would also cut back on feeding the raw shrimp just a bit and check the tank for any dying and decaying sponges or anything else that looks like it may be on its way out.

You are storing the DT's in your fridge and shaking it, right?

 

[str1988]

I get that every once in a while as well. Little like sulfer. I notice it the most right after the intial cycle then it goes away. Read the reason for the smell once but cant remember the details.

I use DTs and feed in a similar manner too your description and have no problems. The odor I get is different from decay or the ocean smell but it does go away. I would think if you had decay or excess food your test would show it and your info looks normal.

 

[JJP161]

Hey guys, thank-you for the assistance. I checked the tank and didn't find anything yet. I also cut back on the raw shrimp. I am storing the DT's in the fridge and shaking it and my water remains good. I still need a water change, just waiting for the ater to age a couple of days. Nitrates are between 10 - 20.

The odor does seem to smell a little like sulfur. But has already started to diminish. Also my protein skimmer is back up and running and then seems to have helped as well.

Thankyou
Joe