Hydrogen sulfide

[GillMeister]

Here's the back story. I had shut down my utility pump a while back so I could plumb in some new equipment. Today I opened one of the valves before turning on the pump and I smelled rotten egg gas from my sump. I think I released some fouled water into my aquarium.

What are the chances I've poisoned my tank?

 

[PBnJOnWheat]

Here's the back story. I had shut down my utility pump a while back so I could plumb in some new equipment. Today I opened one of the valves before turning on the pump and I smelled rotten egg gas from my sump. I think I released some fouled water into my aquarium.

What are the chances I've poisoned my tank?

I’m not sure how long if at all your system was running after I went to your build thread, however I was curious as to if there are corals check their health. That’s always my go to, even if my chemistry says otherwise. If not, then I’d do a water test. As far as the hydrogen sulfide, typically that will just break down into organic matter. If you have a ORP such as one with the apex system, that’s a great way to tell if there’s remaining hydrogen sulfide in your tank. If not then I still wouldn’t worry.

Long story short even if you had hydrogen sulfide stuck up in there it should decompose with time. As all things, H2S can be toxic to reef aquaria and to yourself however that is at extreme concentrations just like any gas/liquid/solid. If you can smell it that’s a decent sign you’ll be okay nothing to be concerned about. The levels I believe should be low enough to even have fish and possibly corals in there as long as the tank is cycled. (You’re Tank Is Not Poisoned)
If you’re still worried about it, grab some Dr.Tim’s or MB7 and that should work it’s way to eliminate the odor pretty quick. Being that they consume this naturally occurring compound in good old fashioned sea water.
Is your tank cycled? Any fish? Any corals?

 

[GillMeister]

I’m not sure how long if at all your system was running after I went to your build thread, however I was curious as to if there are corals check their health. That’s always my go to, even if my chemistry says otherwise. If not, then I’d do a water test. As far as the hydrogen sulfide, typically that will just break down into organic matter. If you have a ORP such as one with the apex system, that’s a great way to tell if there’s remaining hydrogen sulfide in your tank. If not then I still wouldn’t worry.

Long story short even if you had hydrogen sulfide stuck up in there it should decompose with time. As all things, H2S can be toxic to reef aquaria and to yourself however that is at extreme concentrations just like any gas/liquid/solid. If you can smell it that’s a decent sign you’ll be okay nothing to be concerned about. The levels I believe should be low enough to even have fish and possibly corals in there as long as the tank is cycled. (You’re Tank Is Not Poisoned)
If you’re still worried about it, grab some Dr.Tim’s or MB7 and that should work it’s way to eliminate the odor pretty quick. Being that they consume this naturally occurring compound in good old fashioned sea water.
Is your tank cycled? Any fish? Any corals?

My tank was initially cycled starting in June through July. I have a lot of rock in the tank and I'm not having any issues supporting the biology in my system now. I routinely dose nitrates or they measure zero. My sps corals are healthy and growing, with one exception. That one exception is healthy but not growing.

I don't think I rushed it. I was a little concerned that coralline hadn't established as quickly as my last reef but that's beginning to come in as well.

ORP stays at around 420 and has for months. I just checked it again and it's stable so probably no harm done with the sulfide.

 

[PBnJOnWheat]

My tank was initially cycled starting in June through July. I have a lot of rock in the tank and I'm not having any issues supporting the biology in my system now. I routinely dose nitrates or they measure zero. My sps corals are healthy and growing, with one exception. That one exception is healthy but not growing.

I don't think I rushed it. I was a little concerned that coralline hadn't established as quickly as my last reef but that's beginning to come in as well.

ORP stays at around 420 and has for months. I just checked it again and it's stable so probably no harm done with the sulfide.

Oh wow sorry you have a completely established tank lol!!!!! Nvm yeah if the corals are good then all is good. Especially with an ORP of 420 I’d be surprised if you smell it at all anymore. That stuff gets oxidized probably instantly in your system!! I strive to need to dose nitrates and phsosphates and keep sps lol

 

[GillMeister]

BTW, yes I have a dozen fish and about ten frags. Alk very healthy and thriving.