Turning Bio Pellets on after being off for weeks

[Cubbies]

So here is the story. I have a black lab that is terrified of storms and whenever there is one he looks for a spot to go cozy up in. Well last night he ended up around my equipment plug ins. A couple weeks ago I disconnected a bio pellet reactor due to it clogging way too much and left it sitting there. I am looking for something better. This morning I go to the fish tank and everything is off. Hectically I start plugging a couple plugs that were disconnected in and turn the switches on. Now I don't know if anybody has ever opened a canister of bio pellets after them sitting there for a couple days but they smell rotten if you have. Well I left the room for a few minutes and came back to check everything was ok. I smelled that rotten smell and I was oh darn! Of course I plugged the BP back on!! Now my questions are: Has anyone ever done this and what did you do? Am I in trouble? What should I do? It smells horrible atm but everything looks ok in the tank. Sorry for the long story! TIA

 

[Zoanthkid]

I would do a large water change if u can. Good luck hope nothing is affected..

 

[Dowtish]

Essentially you just added a bunch of ammonia and nitrates and phosphates and anything else bad you can imagine into your system. Like what has already been suggested, do a large water change and start testing your water after. You might have to do a couple of the next few days. Good Luck.

 

[Aquaph8]

Ive seen people do this with small hang on the back fuges and it didn't turn out well. I would do a series of small water changes and replace carbon often. Set your skimmer to skim wet and dont panic and make it worse. Its not just biopellets, if you leave anything in a reactor thats turned off you'll get the same nasty results. I try to leave mine running even if there's nothing in them. Goodluck, and hope everything is OK. Keep us updated.

 

[3mm3]

I did the same thing. I just did a regular water change, adjusted skimmer to skim more and added carbon. smell was gone in a few hours and didnt lose anything. Sps and clams. also nothing lost color.