Soaked seed smelling "sweet/fermented"?

[nixity]

I don't think Sparkle, ACV or Grapefruit Seed Extract are appropriate mediums for sprouting seed and avoiding bacterial or fungal growth. I've used all three and they all still result in a funky brown slime to the sprouting jar which seems unsanitary to me.
The only thing I will use is Virkon-S, and it is the only thing that has never produced that gross brown slime on the sprouting jar.

Also, growing it in a pot, while offering enrichment to the birds, isn't generally what is intended by "sprouting" seed.

What you want is a seed that has just begun to chit, so the husk has just barely split open, this is when it's at its most nutritious.

I do not let the seed sprout more than 1/8", if that.

[Ursula]

I use a few drops (!) of Sparkle when I soak the seeds in a glass bottle. I use ABBA soak seed and also their soak method about half day in water, then drain off water and let seeds sit for another full day, then rinse and put in fridge. Before serving I rinse again.

I never had slime, mold or anything on my soaked seeds. And they don't smell bad at all, they have (as the ABBA site will also tell you) a nice nutty smell.

IMO key is to use the right seeds (no additives, pellets etc), use a very clean jar, keep the jar closed when soaking, and don't touch at any time. Your hands have the most bacteria on them, even if you wash them.

I tried soaking millet spray once but that stuff turned moldy and didn't sprout at all for me.

[cindy]

Brown top when wet even from splashed from a bath or if BTop is dropped into the spout of a waterer has a definate slight odor to it....just the seed.