My two sons have just started their third marine aquarium. They have an established 55, 15 and are doing a new 10 gallon. Prior to their leaving on a trip for three weeks they began the set up of this new 10 gallon tank and left me in charge. (What a mistake). Anyway, the new tank was started with a bag of Argonite live sand and a lot of live rock (probably 20 lbs.) and began to cycle. About day 3, the tank took on a horrendous odor and lots of die off occured. The tanks amonia is spiking very high 8 and the water has taken on a black dark color. No lights are in use on the tank. This is day two of the amonia spike and day 1 of the ever darkening water. The tank has a milennium 1000 filter and a powerhead both running. The Ph is about 8, the Nitrites are 0 and the Nitrates are also 0. The temp is around 79.
Am I overly concerned, or is there something I can do to help out the process? I have noticed some slime beginning to grow on the Milennium 1000, so my thinking (and hope) is that there is just so much die off from the amount of rock that it will take some time for the nitrigication process to work. Perhaps a purchase of some active bacteria to help the process?
I could really use some expert help here. Me and the dog are having a hard time with the smell.
JustJeffy in Miami
Am I overly concerned, or is there something I can do to help out the process? I have noticed some slime beginning to grow on the Milennium 1000, so my thinking (and hope) is that there is just so much die off from the amount of rock that it will take some time for the nitrigication process to work. Perhaps a purchase of some active bacteria to help the process?
I could really use some expert help here. Me and the dog are having a hard time with the smell.
JustJeffy in Miami
. Where'd they get the live rock from and do you have an idea of how long it was out of the tank? Sounds like somethin real nasty was in there that died. Your best bet unfortunately is probably to just wait it out 
