should there be this sludge at the bottom?

I brewed my first batch this past Friday. I ended up with less volume than I planned, so I'm thinking it might be strong. Fermentation started fast and looked to be going strong, then this sludge started forming at the bottom. It used to be more now it has decreased. I'm thinking it's the malt extract. But is this normal? It seems like a lot. Maybe it won't be very strong after all. Any words if wisdom/advice for next time?

totally normal. its just the trub

Yeah just seemed like a lot. So is it the sugar from the malt extract? I thought the trub would just consist of yeast that had flocculated and hops

It's not sugar. It's yeast, break material, and hop debris. It should continue to compact and settle.

It does seem like more than usual but it's most likely fine. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Totally normal. It will compact a lot over the next 3 weeks. If you cold crash it (chill to sub 40*) for a couple days before you rack it will compact even more and you drop any remaining sediment out of solution for a nice clean beer.

Do not cold crash until you are certain you have reach FG.

I was planning on racking to a secondary after 7 days. Do you think it's better not to rack, or maybe keep it in primary for 14 days and then rack to a secondary for 7?

I generally do not seconadary but that is a matter of preference also. If you want to secondary I would do the 14/7 schedule. Also, make sure you have hit your FG before you rack off the yeast cake regardless of the timeline.

Oh man! Welcome to the addiction buddy!

I needed a good laugh!!