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why does my fish tank still smell2007-11-24 23:43:57

To solve the SYMPTHOMS:

a. increase the amount of chemical filtration (carbon, purigen, chem-pure, etc) being used.

To solve the ROOT OF THE PROBLEM:

a. reduce the amount and frequency you currently feed (feed only half as much as you usually do and only once a day).

b cut down on tank lighting if more than 12hrs in duration.

c. Conduct water changes weekly (25%-33%) and use a gravel vacuum device to physically removed trapped waste products. Keep nitrates below 40ppm.

d. Upgrade your filters and overfiltrate. Equip your 29-gal with TWO filters configured for 55gal tanks. Clean/maintain them on alternating schedules.

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So what does it smell like?

Earthy?

Rotten eggs?

How deep is your gravel?

How long has it been since you'd had fresh carbon in the tank?

How often do you do partial water changes, and do you vacuum at each partial water change? How much water do you change out?

How many fish and how large are they?

How long has the tank been set up?

If you still have your old filter pads, rinse them well in discarded tank water. You don't want to throw those away. You do want to use those as long as possible. Rinse them each time you do a partial water change in discarded tank water to remove any debris. Smack them against something if they start getting stopped up. Many of the bacteria that keep your water happy (convert ammonia which is toxic to nitrAte which is less toxic live on your filter pads).