Need help on bad smell thread

[jim48]

Any ideas, anyone.

[jdieck]

If you are referring to bad smell from your tank it could be several reasons.
First if you are using an skimmer the vented air from the skimmate collection cup can smell very bad. Try cleaning the skimmer more often, if the air has a single outlet try fitting it up with an activated carbon filter or chamber so the air is deodorized before being released around the tank.

If you have smelly water it could be accumulation of detritus, bacteria, or release of hydrogen sulphide from the sand if it was stirred.
To solve this keep up with water changes at least 10% per week. Run activated carbon in the system, increase aeration, clean your mechanical filter often and reduce feeding if too much. Finally syphon accumulated detritus out with every water change and blow off your rock to remove detritus accumulation once a month using a powerhead or a turkey baster paying special attention to unplugging pores and crevices.
Keep an eye on your level of Ammonia, Nitrates and alkalinity. Bad smell is usually accompanied by ammonia spikes, high level of nitrification leading to depressed alkalinity

[Cord]

Protien skimming and activated carbon.