Fishless raw shrimp cycle - uh the smell...

Tha Bizness

I started cycling my 75G on Sept 9. The smell coming from the tank is almost unbearable... My tests are showing my ammonia has jumped/spiking but nitrates, nitrites haven't taken off yet.

I read some things telling me to take the shrimp out as soon as it starts to smell. Others say only take it out after the cycle is complete. What is the 'correct' answer?

Can I take it out, watch the ammonia drop and then put some back in to feed the bacteria? Looking for next steps.

Nubster

Take it out and if nothing else replace it with fresh shrimp. I've done that in the past with no ill effects.

Tha Bizness

Just wondering how many times have you had to do that in the past before cycle completes? Just trying to get some type of expectation.

Romad

Since you've already got ammonia present, your tank should start working to convert it to nitrItes.

I'd replace the shrimp when it starts to go off so you don't lose your source. Or you can take the shrimp out, do a partial water change and add a few hardy fish as your source.

Nubster

I've never had to replace more than one time. And I would always get nitrites before the second "dose" of shrimp started to smell bad.