New Tank Cycling - Smelly Water

[H2O_Beasts]

I am in the process of cycling a new 55G tank. It has been about 9 days since I got everything up and running. I have two very small african cichlids and have done two 25% water changes in the last 9 days. Today I noticed that there is a fishy smell to the water. This smell started today. Is is normal for a new tank to smell as it cycles? I have an airstone and an emperor 400 for filtration.

What can I do to get rid of the fishy water smell? Please help! Thanks.

 

[poly-nomial]

Patience. It happened to me. Just add some carbon to your filter(s) and wait. The smell will be absent in 2-5 days but that doesn't mean cycling is over.

 

[H2O_Beasts]

Thanks for the feedback. What kind of carbon do you recommend?

 

[Toby_H]

part of the process of cycling is to allow waste levels (ammonia/nitrite) to elevate... which in turn can have an odor...

As mentioned, carbon is the typical way to address unpleasant odors in an aquarium...

I don't use much carbon these days so I can't really comment on which brand is better. But I do warn you that every manufacturer is eager to provide you with slanted details that show their product to be the best... I suspect they are all abotu the same...