How to Identify and Remove Fish Tank Odor

Imagine setting up your new tank only to suffer after the first week with an intolerable odor! Fish tank odors are usually indicative of an underlying problem, once you identify the problem you can work on removing it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. DETERMINE THE CAUSE - Over feeding, overpopulation, and dead matter are big stink-makers. Make sure you are only feeding your fish as much as they will eat in a few minutes. If you see food floating to the bottom, you are feeding too much. The typical rule of fish keeping is one inch of fish per one gallon of water, if you are exceeding this number that may be your stink-source. Too many fish make too much poop. Too much poop smells. Try to out source some of your fish to friends or neighbors, or get another tank to reduce the population of your stinky tank. Dead matter will cause a foul smell from your tank so check around your decorations and in your gravel for debris build up.

2. KEEP YOUR TANK CLEAN, NOT STERILE. Fish tanks are like little rainforests. Everything can be so well-balanced that it can often take care of itself but it takes a lot of patience to get to that point. Make sure you are cleaning your tank but not making it spotless. When you clean your gravel, use a vacuum siphon to remove debris and 25% of the water. Change your filters often to keep smell down, if you notice your filters are covered in algae and debris after only a short while, you may need to think about purchasing a more powerful filter.

3. TAKE YOUR TANK OFF DRUGS - Sometimes we get so excited about being able to control algae or stress in our tanks that we over-medicate our aquariums. If you have a smell coming from your tank, evaluate what kind of chemicals you are adding to the water. A dechlorinator is perhaps the only necessary water treatment. Have your water tested at your local pet store to check the ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and Ph levels. Ask for natural ways to keep them in balance. Like I mentioned, fish tanks can be a self-contained ecosystem if given time and care.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the recommendations of your local fish breeder or expert as each situation is unique.

Resources

• How to Choose the Right Fish Tank
• How to Choose Healthy Fish at the Pet Store
• How to Clean the Gravel in Your Fish Tank
• How to Get Rid of Algae in Your Fish Tank

[Bfastattiffanys]

on 11/22/2008 Great info. My mother-in-law was just wondering what she could do about this. i'll forward her the link. *****

[JPaint25]

on 11/20/2008 great tips!

[Wasatch]

on 11/16/2008 Good article. I have had a 65 gallon tank going for 3 years now and I always let it go too long between water changes. 5*

[Vanillatte]

on 11/11/2008 Well-written article on how to to remove fish tank odor. I haven't had a fish tank in a long while, this is a good article for those who do have fish tanks!

[deepthinkin]

on 11/11/2008 Thanks for this important information. I really enjoy cleaning my fish tank...the vacuuming especially, it's meditative. :)