Why Do We Do It? (Or Am I An Idiot :d)

[oneblondebrow]

Just started fishless cycling my 17 liter betta tank and for some stupid reason decided to give the Ammonia a big sniff, Even after reading it can give me respiratory issue's.

What an idiot!

 

[waterdrop]

..know what you mean.

I think our instinct to sniff things is so strong because it goes way way back. Its always been one of our most powerful means to detect the breakdown in our organic foods that indicates the presence of bacteria, and said bacteria was of course often the death of us prior to anti-biotics. Its why waste smells so bad to us.. evolution has taught us that those smells mean the presence of large numbers of bacteria that could infect and kill us. And of course, same goes for dangerous inorganics that could break down our cells or damage our tissues!

We are pretty resilient animals however and a whiff of ammonia is unlikely to hurt. You'd know it if it passed the point of unpleasant and crossed over to causing real damage!

~~waterdrop~~

 

[oneblondebrow]

..know what you mean.

I think our instinct to sniff things is so strong because it goes way way back. Its always been one of our most powerful means to detect the breakdown in our organic foods that indicates the presence of bacteria, and said bacteria was of course often the death of us prior to anti-biotics. Its why waste smells so bad to us.. evolution has taught us that those smells mean the presence of large numbers of bacteria that could infect and kill us. And of course, same goes for dangerous inorganics that could break down our cells or damage our tissues!

We are pretty resilient animals however and a whiff of ammonia is unlikely to hurt. You'd know it if it passed the point of unpleasant and crossed over to causing real damage!

~~waterdrop~~

Good news then, I am not stupid it's genetic/evolutionary

Its a good excuse when i inevitably do other stupid things, Just say to the wife "i can't help it, it's genetic"

 

[Littlemonkey]

I once went to a distillary and before the guy says don't breath in too deep, my nose is in the vat and deep breath ensues. Followed by coughing and watering eyes. That was years ago and I haven't had any adverse reactions.

 

[mark4785]

Stay clear of smelling that stuff. I inhailed some of it by accident and had an headache for hours afterwards. In all seriousness, do not sniff it.

 

[upsy daisy]

I like the smell of Ammonia! Yes, really!

 

[PDSimon]

Haha upsy!

I must admit I started getting used to it quite a bit and therefore almost to the degree of liking it

Horrible stuff though, it doesn't just smell bad, it gives you a horrible shock sensation, anyone know what I mean?

 

[vanderdraay]

I must admit i had to have a sniff when i started my cycle ,had a massive sneezing fit after and a head ache to follow but doesnt half clear your sinuses !

 

[JoshuaA]

..know what you mean.

I think our instinct to sniff things is so strong because it goes way way back. Its always been one of our most powerful means to detect the breakdown in our organic foods that indicates the presence of bacteria, and said bacteria was of course often the death of us prior to anti-biotics. Its why waste smells so bad to us.. evolution has taught us that those smells mean the presence of large numbers of bacteria that could infect and kill us. And of course, same goes for dangerous inorganics that could break down our cells or damage our tissues!

We are pretty resilient animals however and a whiff of ammonia is unlikely to hurt. You'd know it if it passed the point of unpleasant and crossed over to causing real damage!

~~waterdrop~~

Unfortunately that doesn't apply to everything... for example...

Mmmm! I love this, it smells just like almonds! It must be almond oil...

*dead*

Can you guess what it is yet?

Finally the best one of all time...

"Does this smell like Chloroform to you?"

 

[waterdrop]

Well that's true! There are some pretty deadly things out there unfortunately.

 

[Ashley1991]

when i started my fishless cycle i have my ammonia bottle the biggest sniff ever!

i had to sit down because i was dizzy and unable to breathe so i did it again

then i made my gf do it one day when she was over

ash

 

[Assaye]

I give the ammonia a massive sniff every time I open the bottle. I never learn!