Weird smell coming from tank water

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

Hey guys

I'm new to reefing and need some help, my tank is about 2months old and I only just started getting this weird odor smell leeching from my tank water. After doing a bit of research I found activated carbon can be the cure.

If anyone could give me some advice that would be great.

Thanks

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

Bump !!

jsker · Jul 12, 2018

Do you have anything like the clean up crew in the system yet?

How much circulation do you have?

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

jsker said:
Do you have anything like the clean up crew in the system yet?

How much circulation do you have?

Yes I do, have 3 trochus snail, 3 cowrie snails and 1 cleaner shrimp.

KMench · Jul 12, 2018

How big is your tank?

jsker · Jul 12, 2018

FindingNem0 said:
Yes I do, have 3 trochus snail, 3 cowrie snails and 1 cleaner shrimp.

Everyone still alive?

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

KMench said:
How big is your tank?

40G with 10G sump

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

jsker said:
Everyone still alive?

Actually I see one flipped trochus snail with nothing inside. Maybe my cleaner killed him. I saw the shrimp on the snail shell today but didnt pay much attention.

jsker · Jul 12, 2018

have done any water changes yet?

jsker · Jul 12, 2018

FindingNem0 said:
40G with 10G sump

Nice setup

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

jsker said:
have done any water changes yet?

No I haven't done any water changes yet, I might actually do a 10-20% water change today. But I was thinking more of activated carbon.

Vahanyos · Jul 12, 2018

What does it smell like? My tank water smells odd until my cycle is complete and the tank starts getting more established. I think every tank should have some carbon in there. I use Chemi-Pure Elite in all my tanks and the water stays clear with no tint or smell to it...

However, the first couple months or so it does not smell like the ocean...

skim · Jul 12, 2018

What does it smell like? Is it a fowl smell or more like a earthy smell like Algae. I know when I friends over some would comment on the smell, saying it smelt like the Ocean and it took them back instantly to a trip they took and if that is it I would not worry about it things are going well then.

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

Vahanyos said:
What does it smell like? My tank water smells odd until my cycle is complete and the tank starts getting more established. I think every tank should have some carbon in there. I use Chemi-Pure Elite in all my tanks and the water stays clear with no tint or smell to it...

However, the first couple months or so it does not smell like the ocean...

My tank has been cycled for over a month now, I started with live rock from an established tank. Yeah I was looking into chemi pure, seen some very good reviews.

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

skim said:
What does it smell like? Is it a fowl smell or more like a earthy smell like Algae. I know when I friends over some would comment on the smell, saying it smelt like the Ocean and it took them back instantly to a trip they took and if that is it I would not worry about it things are going well then.

It's really hard for me to pick up what it smells like but sometime reminds me of rotten eggs but sometime earthy as well. So I'm really unsure.

jsker · Jul 12, 2018

FindingNem0 said:
My tank has been cycled for over a month now, I started with live rock from an established tank. Yeah I was looking into chemi pure, seen some very good reviews.

Your tank will be cycling for a least a year in different phases. You have a new tank, that the small is most likely coming for the decaying algae or something dying/decaying. I would suggest starting your 10% water changes.
Have your been testing your water parameters? Nutrients?

skim · Jul 12, 2018

Its still Cycling you should do a 5 or 10% water change and check your Ammonia and Nitrite levels. With tank being so young and you added life to it already you will have to keep a very close eye on things. Do not be surprised if you may lose some things. You could try adding some Chato in the same compartment as your reactor maybe Caulerpa would be better choice for now as I believe it is a little more hardier. Carbon would help with the smell but if was me I would not use it all the time for now. Put it in overnight and pull it as the smell will help right now in telling you what is happening within your tank. You have chosen the hard way and will be a challenge.
A) start testing every day for those mentioned.
B) start doing like 5% water changes a day or even 2 smaller ones a day. In morning and one before you go to sleep, say as close to 12 hours apart.
C) A good Carbon in small quantities and not consistently in use. Brands I recommend are Two Little Fishies Hydro Carbon, Red Sea Carbon, Rox 08 but I think it too much for your system right now and can be a pain do to its size. ChemiPure Blue could be a positive thing to try also as it will remove other things, one being Phosphate.
D) Caulerpa will help in removing nasties.

FindingNem0 · Jul 12, 2018

No algae growth in my tank as most was on the rock that I removed.

Ammo 0
Nitrite 0
Nirate 2ppm
Ph 8.2
Phos 1ppm - hasn't dropped since cycled.
Cal 450
Mag 1400
Salinity 1.025-1.026 at all times. ATO