water in fish tank smells terrible--what can I do?

Answer 1

do a few partial water changes and try some new carbon in your filter.

Answer 2

i am going to assume that you have a tank that is at least 30 gallons. changing out water is a good start. make sure that you use a gravel filter to remove the fish droppings from the substrate you use. you really should not do more than 40% change of water, for more than that could put your fishes in too much stress. being introduced with new water and all. changing the water every other week would be a good frequency if the tank is dirty. cleaning the sides of your tank will help too, algae grows on the glass surface and this could be a reason why you are getting smells. change out the old filter catridges, this should be done once a month, or when the filter seems clogged. if you can get your hands on a power head, use it. this will prevent dead spots in your tank, dead spots will grow bad bacteria which could be another cause to your smell and is harmfull to you fishes. also, don't over feed your fishes, any uneaten food could rot and generate a smell too.

if you have a small tank, 2.5 gallons and less, remove the fishes clean the tank with a paper towel sheet, add new water and replace the fishes. some of tips above will work for smaller tanks a well, it's not that hard to figure out.

good luck with aquarium...

Answer 3

Do not, do not, do not completely replace the water. Aquarium water contains beneficial bacteria that help regulate tank chemistry and keep the fish healthy. If you change too much of the water it will be bad for the fish. You need to remove about 1/3 of the water in the tank. Replace it with clean water - but NOT straight from the tap. You need to dechlorinate it first. Also, be sure that the new water is the same temperature as the water in the tank. If it's too cold or too hot the sudden temperature change will be bad for the fish. Do the same thing about a week later.

From now on, do a partial water change about every two weeks. If you do it regularly you shouldn't need to change more than 1/4 of the water at a time. Also, you need to get a special siphon so that you can "vacuum" the substrate - debris builds up in the gravel at the bottom of the tank and you need to clean it out. Be sure the filter isn't too dirty. And don't feed your fish more than they will eat in one feeding. Otherwise it just drops to the bottom of the tank and rots.

Answer 4

Like everyone else has said, do a partial water change. That means, 20-30% of water. NEVER EVER use tap water. If you have water treaters, use that. If you don't, wait three days by placing water in bucket and let it sit. For me, I do both.
Also, do not feed your fish to much. I recommend at least 2 times daily, and small amounts every time. That means about less than penny size in palm of hand. Also, if you have a filter, use it. Make sure it is clean. You can also use activated carbon in your filter. This is like black gravel or black "nugget" looking things. This is powdery sometimes and can dirty your water when crushed or not cleaned. This can be used in your filter. This helps clean out the water by clarifying it and dulls chemicals. That means, for some chemicals that you need to treat the water with, take out the carbon.

Answer 5

I had this same problem. you didn't say what size tank it was. What I did way changed almost all the water and put back in bottled spring water. I changed the filter and I also took the pump off and ran clean hot water through it before I put a new filter in. Make sure you wipe the pump out after you run the water in it and don't leave any residue. When you get a chance go to wal-mart and get some ammonia clear tablets and drop them in, follow the instruction as how big your tank is. I'm pretty sure this will solve your problem. It did mine. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Clean the tank. You should do it once a month, removing all but a 1/3 of the water.

Answer 7

Empty the tank, put fish in another bowl, scrub the tank, clean its accesories w/ bleach. Clean with hot water then after you're done let it dry for a while then fill itup and then you put the required liquids in (chlor out, cycle, and stress coat) and of course u need to change the filter cartridges. Oh! And don't forget the fish..

Answer 8

Do at least a 50% water change then wait a couple days then do it again. Be sure not to change too much water, or you will down size your bacterial load. try to cut back on the feeding too, because it may be decaying food causing the smell.

Answer 9

Regular water changes on the weekly basis, and using Tea Tree Oil will help with the smell (in fact - Tea Tree Oil will have it smelling beautifully, but don't use it all the time).

Answer 10

Is your aquarium fresh water? or marine (salt)? if marine aquarium you only need to have a good filter under and overhead filter with some carbon in it. much better if you can add water plants since plants consume carbon dioxide in the water as their source of food.

Answer 11

clean it take out the fish put in clean bole ane dump out water clean tank fill tank with claen water add fish