My tanks smells like sulfur?

Question

I have a 55g freshwater tank. The water took along time to clear and smelled strongly of sulfur, (rotten eggs), it is really bad. Then it faded. The ammonia was still very high so I added some chemicals to get it down. That day it began to smell bady again and by the next day the same strong rotten eggs smell was present through the whole house. I have changed the water (1/3 of it) 3 times, and most of my old fish lived but all new fish I bought died almost instantly. What else can I do. The gravel was well cleaned beforhand and I do not over feed. Thanks

Answer 1

You have a problem. You don't have enough beneficial bacteria to perform the ammonia/nitrate/nitrite cycle. First off, transfer the fish out of the tank into a different one so you can get it under control. Keep them in this tank, without gravel on the bottom for a couple days if possible. .

Clean the gravel very well, if you have an undergravel filter make sure you clean under it as well. Change all the water in the tank. Go to your local pet store and pick up some water inoculation treatment to supply a healthy dose of bacteria and let this run through the tank for a couple days. You can reintroduce the fish and feed them VERY sparingly for the first week, not to the point of starving them and emaciating your fish though.

This should get you back on track.

Answer 2

The most common cause of this problem is sulphur dioxide pockets in the gravel or filter. As you indicate you cleaned all areas of the gravel very well and still have this problem. I would suggest you call the water company and ask for a copy of the water quality report. They are required to give you one if you ask. Check you water supply for any sulphur containing compounds that could be causing the odor. As for eliminating it, plenty of fresh carbon in the filter should reduce it significantly if not entirely.

MM

Answer 3

I would empty it and refill with bottled water or use a refrig filter on your fill hose, you have bad water,