Cycling with shrimp

[Cajun]

I am currently cycling a 75 gallon RR tank with a 25 gal sump using 6 jumbo shrimp along with approx. 50lbs of Fiji rock that was given to me after being left outside in a pile for a few yrs. I did add Cycle and BioZyme to the tank like I have done with previous tanks while cycling. Needless to say, the smell in the house has got quite severe. Is this too many shrimp to provide an ammonia source? . I used uncured LR to cycle my last tank, but am new to using shrimp as a ammonia source.
Cajun

 

[Juck]

One or two shrimp should be ample,, skimming and large water changes should keep the smell in check,, carbon wouldn't hurt.

Cycle/Biozyme are snake oil IMO,, the magical ingredient in cycling a new tank is patience.

Good luck!

 

[spsmike]

You need to get some cured liverock to put in there for a bacteria source since the rock you used probably didnt have any.With dead rock you might as well be using concrete blocks. lol

 

[ReefRian]

I think your smell is probably coming from your lr and not the shrimp. You probably don't need so many shrimp either. I second skimming for your tank.

Rian

 

[danmhippo]

One or 2 is plenty, and usually we use common grass shrimp, if you are using jumbo shrimp, I'd say one is enough.

Skimming is crucial, and as long as you measured ammonia and nitrite peak and valleyed out, you can throw them away.