Hmm, for your protection, maybe use rubber dishwashing gloves and some kind of eye protection (I know the fumes make my eyes water). For your tank, maybe buy a small air purifier (I use Tru Air) that uses carbon in its filter. Place it near the top of your tank, or at least in the room, and it may help absorb some of the fumes that are coming out of the cycling tank.
As for Mr. Pibb and red vines, yum!