Homemade Pet Odor Removal for Fish Tanks

Soak fish tank accessories in a bleach solution.

Whether you've gotten a second-hand tank or are starting over from a previous fish-keeping endeavor, you may have a smelly tank on your hands. Fish tank odors are the result of bacteria, biological waste and the build up of natural chemicals that come with owning fish. Cleaning your fish tank as soon as it is empty prevents it from smelling and lets you start with a clean, non-smelly tank.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Water
• Microfiber rag
• Bleach
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Dilute 1 cup of vinegar in 1 gallon of water.

2. Dampen a clean microfiber rag with the vinegar and water solution.

3. Wipe down the sides and bottom of the tank with the vinegar solution. Scrub the aquarium's hood with the vinegar solution to remove lime and calcium deposits.

4. Rinse the fish tank thoroughly with clean water.

5. Mix a 10 percent bleach solution. Add nine parts water to one part bleach. Fill a bucket with the solution.

6. Soak accessories, gravel and fake plants in the bleach solution for 15 minutes.

7. Scrub and rinse the accessories, gravel and fake plants in clear, clean water to remove any algae and bacterial growth.

8. Fill the interior of the fish tank with a 10 percent bleach solution. Allow the bleach solution to sit for fifteen minutes.

9. Rinse the interior of the fish tank thoroughly with fresh, clear water.

Tips & Warnings

• Scrape algae from fish tank fixtures using an algae pad or, for glass, a razor blade scraper. Algae decomposes and can contribute to fish tank odor.

• Ensure the pH level of your fish tank is adequate for the fish you are planning to house. An inadequate pH level can contribute to odors when the fish tank is in use.

• Change your fish tank's water monthly by at least 25 percent. Scrape the sides of the fish tank and use a filter hose or vacuum to remove biological matter from the gravel. Change or clean your filter a few weeks after changing the water to avoid contributing to a dangerous spike in ammonia in the tank.

• Add fish that eat biological material that contribute to odors. Algae eaters and loaches both process material in the tank.

• Do not use bleach on porous decorations, such as silk plants or wooden objects. Porous objects retain bleach and may release it into the tank when used, posing a hazard to the fish.

• Do not use soap to clean odors from a fish tank. Soap, even in trace amounts, is hazardous to fish.

References

• "The Barbs Aquarium;" Gary Elson, Oliver Lucanis, Michele Earle-Bridges; 2002
• "Freshwater Aquarium Models;" John H. Tullock; 2006
• "The Everything Fish Tank Book;" Carlo DeVito, Gregory Skomal; 2000
• "Heloise to the Rescue;" Heloise; 2003

Resources

• Pet Education: Aquarium Maintenance - How to Do Water Changes and Clean a Freshwater Aquarium