why does my aqaurium smell and how long should the light be left on each day.?

Answer 1

The answer depends on what it smells like. If it smells like freshly plowed soil,you have high Nitrates,if it smells more like rotten eggs,you've got some anaerobic areas in the tank that are digesting the high Nitrates. The remedy for either situation is frequent small water changes,accompanied by gravel vacuuming with a siphon device of some sort. The light should be left on no more than 12 hours,less if you have algae problems.

Answer 2

An aquarium might smell because its due for a water change? Rotting, dead or decaying organisms? Aquarium carbon which you should put in your filter lace (cartriage) removes aquarium smell. Also it depends for how long the light should be on. If you have fish and fake plants, Keep it on for maybe 2-3 hours. Unless the room your tank is in is completly dark, Do 7-8 hours. They can still see. If you have live plants, Id go for 10-11 hours a day.

Answer 3

the smell could be a problem with the filter or you not changing the water frequently

the light should be on no longer than 6 hours a day
any more or less you can encourage different types of algae to grow which will create a green or brown 'film' on the glass

you need to do a 25% water change once a week

Answer 4

Has the tank got a cover?yes,put an air stone in powered buy a good pump this will stop the air on top of the tank going stale.divide the light into two in a twelve hour period IE on at 8off at 1-on 5 off 10.this cuts down on algie growth.10 hours off at night

Answer 5

The answer depends upon whether you have a marine or freshwater tank.

If freshwater: What fish do you have?

Goldfish are coldwater fish and need light on about 8-10 hours per day. Change the water frequently (1/4 minimum per week).

Sometimes a Goldfish tank will "stink" in the filter is clogged. Visually check the condition of your filter. If necessary, rinse out the wool. Add an extra packet or two of activated charcoal.

If you don't have goldfish, don't give too much validity to my answer. I'm a goldfish specialist and don't know too much about marine fish or other freshwater species.

Answer 6

if it smells then it is in need of a good clean out it's not doing the fish any good
do a complete water change and clean the filter
as to the light no longer that 10hrs a day

Answer 7

The smell is the filter and the light should be left on for as long as you want

Answer 8

the smell could be a lot of things
1.ammonia
2 nitate/nitite
3. fish
4. poop
5. decomposing plants
6. bacteria
7. filter problems
8. old food
the light sould be on for at least 8hrs. but not 24/7

Answer 9

please lets be sensible the light should be uv light which should be on whilst its light as this prevents the water turn green .water qualty is nill the filter wants to cleaned out in the tank water .leave out of tank catch the fish put in bowlof dechlorinated water clean out tank with tap water fill back up with dechorinated water check ph should be aprox 7.4 to8.0 pop fish back in and bobs your uncle and annies aunt

Answer 10

if it smells or looks foggy, it needs to be cleaned. you should clean it out at least once a week.