I started cycling last Thursday. I did lots of things, including plopping in an extra filter from another cycled tank, filling it with about ten pounds of gravel from a cycled tank, and adding enough live bacteria for 15 gallon aquarium. There's quite a bit of decaying food in there--I was going for an ammonia spike and wasn't getting it with a pinch here and a pinch there.
Today, three days after adding the big lump of food, there's an odor. Reminds me of the marshy pond odor. It's rough.
Is this a good or bad sign? Specifically, how far along on the cycle is this? I'm guessing that the odor has to do with an ammonia spike? In which case, in a few days-a week the established bacteria colony should multiply and take care of the problem?
My testing supplies aren't the best (not reliable and not reading correctly) and it will be a good week before I can get a good test kit.
Today, three days after adding the big lump of food, there's an odor. Reminds me of the marshy pond odor. It's rough.
Is this a good or bad sign? Specifically, how far along on the cycle is this? I'm guessing that the odor has to do with an ammonia spike? In which case, in a few days-a week the established bacteria colony should multiply and take care of the problem?
My testing supplies aren't the best (not reliable and not reading correctly) and it will be a good week before I can get a good test kit.