FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I notice some strong odor in my tank. I change water about every 3 days. And change 1of 2 filters alternating every 2 weeks. It's planted and fishes are listed below.

Any suggestions as to what might have cause it or how to get rid of it?

if you change the water and filters that often the tank may not be able to cycle properly. you should change the water once a week and clean the filter once a month. that means just rinsing it in tank water in a bucket.

I agree with GreenMonkey. Cut down on the frequency of your water changes. Once a week, with a partial water change should be fine.

The smell you are detecting could be the spike of the ammonia or nitrite levels in the water. Do a check on the water stats if you can. Cheers.


Bleeder's Forum
http://silentlucidity.s10.forumsplace.com

First follow what was suggested above. If after a couple weeks the smell is still stong, try adding carbon to your filter(s). That is, if you don't already use it.

If the smell is taking over the room the tank is in, I have heard that a small box of baking soda helps suck up the smell as well
Brandi

PH is between 7.0-7.2 Ammonia is always 0. I feed twice a day but very little each time. The reason I do partial water change every 3 days is because Nitrate goes up pretty fast. Fishs seem to get stressed and once a while one will die if I don't change water for a week. I have 2 filter cartridges system. I change them about once a month, but not at the same time, so I can save the good bacteria.

From the posts, I guess my tank is overloaded and the smell is from ammonia spike. I'll be looking into getting a Biowheel filtration and some Amquel plus and do less water change.

Thanks everybody.

It doesn't seem overcrowed unless "tons of platies" means like 30.

Something doesn't seem right if it's smelling funny and you're losing a fish here and there...

i'm sure gary will tell you to dose some bacteria starter, and i'd agree.

I agree that the water changing routine seems excessive. As you admit to loads of platies, are you sure that you haven't got a few dead ones in there somewhere? That could cause a smell too

I think the Nitrate was the cause of the fish death. That's why I am changing about 5% every 3 days on a section of the tank.

My platies are breeding non-stop that's why there are tons of platies. All the bigger platies, about 11, are accounted. Now that you mentioned dead fish. I noticed an otto is missing. Time to hunt for the dead fish.

Thanks.

Describe the smell, please. If it smells like sulfur, rotten eggs, or the like it's a problem. If it's just a strong " fishy" smell or an "earthy" smell, it's not a indication of a problem persay. Fresh carbon should neutralize most smells.

Ammonia is always 0

Nitrate goes up pretty fast

Sounds like the bacteria is just fine to me.

That's why I am changing about 5% every 3 days on a section of the tank.

That is not excessive. That's 10% a week roughly. I do 25% weekly changes at a minimum.

I noticed an otto is missing

Ottos are always missing . I've found some in tanks that I'd forgotten I'd even put them in. They're good at hiding.

Fish food can also smell if left in water, uneaten. For my jack dempseys I had floating plants covering the surface and some food get were they could not get it. My tank started smelling bad and I realized that there was old fish food. I removed some of the plants to make a bigger opening to feed the fish.

My general rule of thumb for tank smell is: if it smells strongly fishy then thats just fine. If it smells like anything at all "Rotten", then chances are there is a dead fish in there. Could even be a small fry or two. The smell will clear up when either you find n remove the dead ones, or be patient and wait for them to disintegrate away over time.


Come Play Yahtzee With Me!
http://games.atari.com
Http://www.myleague.com/yahtgames

I would add some carbon to the filter, first