Tropical Fish Keeping banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Stinking Water New Tank

26K views 195 replies 12 participants last post by  Pasfur 
#1 ·
I am from India, kolkata, the temperature here is 31 Degree celcius, i have new 29 gallon tank filled with saltwater from last 2 weeks, i have added last week some live rocks from my petshop which he said were cured, after smelling i found very light smell almost nothing, but after adding them in my tank, i have found that my water is stinking whenever i put my hand in the water, my hand stinks badly, but the water is ok when u smell it by putting the nose above the tank. Yesterday my nitrate is 10mg/l, my ammonia test is also 0 , and ph is around 6.5 to 7. No fish is added yet, i have 1 internal filter and 1 powerhead. I have the lights but i am switching them on for 3-4 hrs. every evening. I have changed 20% water today and the bad smell has gone down a bit. . My salinity is 1.022 (earlier it was 1.028 in 32 degree celcius temperature and I am using bottled mineral water and my home Kent RO water purifier.

Plz help what is wrong why my water is stinking. Is my live rock dead. Should i replace more water.

Imtiaz Khan
 
#149 · (Edited)
Thanks. Yes Wake49, the diatom bloom has come and gone, didnt u read the whole post, its very interesting to read. U must do it if u didnt. Mini cycle might be ? No idea bro.

These algae are dirty green military dress in colour which is spoiling the look of my rocks as u can see the picture in the left.

BTW whr is Pasfur. I am worried. L.T.N.R.
 
#150 ·
I have read the whole post, I stalked it for almost a month before I interjected...

I am saying mini-cycle because there is no stability in this tank. Every time you change something, you compromise the stability. Taking off the filter, adding a filter, adding rock, dieing fish, etc...these contirbute to fluctuations in bacterias and levels of organic compunds.

The hair algae can be contributed to the HOT filter, as those filter pads break ammonias into nitrites and nitrites into nitrates. The nitrates stay in the system (what isn't broken down by the Live Rock) and are a good food (along with phosphate) for algaes.

(Nitrates also have an adverse effect on the buffering system in your tank, read up on that here.)
 
#151 ·
Okay, i will read it.

BTW i am leaving tmrw and will be back by the end of next week but i will be in touch with u guys from thr also. The tanks will be taken by my younger sister.

Qt is running with internal filter and top filter with ceramic rings. Display tank is running with protein skimmer, live rock and live sand. though no copepods have been seen yet. it might take sometime.

Damsel is doing fine.
 
#152 ·
Hey guys, i am out of my city.

Just to discuss that 2 powerheads would be too much in 10 gallon QT, i think 1 internal filter powerhead and 1 top filter powerhead,
The smell was coming back, i think u guys helped a lot specially Pasfur, i am really grateful to him, but my basic problem remains thr, the stink which is not solved till date. It goes when i run zeolite stone, ceramic rings or activated carbon but comes back after 48hrs when they are removed. Its 3rd month of my tank. God help me. I am really depressed friends.
 
#154 · (Edited)
This is just unheard of. I need a brainstorming session on this. Does anyone have any ideas on what is causing this smell?

What is the ammonia test result?
I didn't read the WHOLE thread, but didnt someone attribute this to the high temp? Didn't see anyone disagree which is why I bring this up. (I have absolutely no exp btw)
And the OP said the carbon removed the smell, can't there be something in the tank bringing it back?
 
#155 · (Edited)
How can i ckh ammonia now, i am out of city will be back on 24th, but last i checked it was almost nothing 0.5ppm or not even that, d ammonia vanished within seconds. Read earlier posts.

Is thr a temp. concern, may be india is hot and humid. It will go beyond 100deg f during summer.

Temp stays almost 85 deg farhenheit most of the times.
 
#156 ·
How is your Protein Skimmer working? How often are you emptying the Skimmer?

How new is the Live Rock? Was it cured?

I am still in belief that the tank is going through mini-cycles every time you remove the filter, then put it back on, then remove it again. I think that there is a certain amount of ammonias and dissolved organics that get mixed into the system (from the changing between filter and no filter), and bacteria die-off as a result of this.
Every time you use the carbon it is absorbing these organics and what not, just as a carbon filter on a tap system makes your water taste better.

I think you should run carbon almost religously, but make sure you clean the carbon out religously as well.
 
#157 ·
pasfur reply : plz start brain storming session at the immediately.

Wake49 reply: Protein skimmer no output only plain water white foam.
Live rock was stinking slightly when bought earlier. Mentioned on 1st page of this thread.
Okay might be mini cycle. Wat abt. activated carbon running religiously? R u telling me to run it 24hrs. Everyday.Or for how long?
 
#159 ·
TerryAnn mentioned that hydrogen sulfide could be causing the smell. That is certainly possible, but the hydrogen sulfide would have to originate from somewhere. Possibly die off in the sand? Or rock? Could the rock have been live, then dry, then placed in water again? Perhaps some life still inside the live rock dying? A dirty sponge filter could smell of hydrogen sulfide. If there was an undergravel filter plate and the water flow was cut off, then hydrogen sulfide smell would certainly happen. Has water flow been cut off in some way? On this top fin, have you turned it on and then off and then on and then off? If water became stagnant and was turned back on you would get a hydrogen sulfide smell.
 
#160 ·
I noticed above you also mentioned the live rock smelled a bit when you bought it, so I am thinking it was not fully cured.....when I bought mine, I had no odor at all.
and am wondering since I deal with India all the time (Mumbai and Delhi most) I know that power outages and power irregularities are common ....unless in your part of India this is less common...we don't have many imports from Kolkata so am not sure of this region...., so am wondering if this added to the stink, adding more die off on the rock?

1) very warm temp (from your earlier posts)
2) uncured live rock
3) possible power outage or outages and irregularities.

I could see the above adding to the smell ?

Maybe try and rearrange your live rock, lift it and maybe move the sand under it.

Just a thought
 
#161 ·
i stay in kokata, a metropolitan city of india in the eastern side, u guys must be knowing the name Calcutta.
Okay now regarding Power Cuts Yes they happen in india a lot, though last week i have connected my tank power supplies with the generator so if the current goes everything will be started within 10 - 15mins.
My powercuts was sometimes 1/2 hour to 1 hour to 2 hr twice or thrice a week. Is this the problem.Might be.

Does a powerhead cannot be stopped for this much long? Okay now it wont happen due to generator.

Lets wait and see if this was the problem.

Plz reply at the earliest.
 
#162 ·
I'm actually very angry having just read the whole thread and am amazed that people are still trying to help you. In actual fact I don't think anybody can, it's about helping yourself.

You blatantly did NO research before plunging into the unknown and setting up the tank. I've been fish keeping for nearly 10 years and have had a genuine fear for saltwater tanks until recently!

Did you think it was going to be easy?

Your far too impatient and it's cost several fish their lives. You take matters into your own hands, buy ridiculously unsuitable fish and listen to nobody until the inevitable happens. Then you come running back for advice with your tail between your legs.
You even tried to blame your LFS for your tank crashing?!

Why on earth have you even gone marine? I know they're great, but you can't do it on a budget. As sad as it is, you need a decent amount of cash. I can't remember exactly what it was, but it was something integral to the marine system and you just flat out couldn't afford it.

Sorry if I have come off as out of line or a bad guy, but I'm not. You are.



Now for something constructive.

Restart the tank again. Listen to the advice your given and stick to what the members here say RELIGIOUSLY.

The members of this forum know more than any LFS and that's a fact with very few exceptions. The members of this forum aren't trying to sell you anything either. In fact pasfur actually tried to GIVE you an alkalinity kit!



Sorry if this has upset you in any way, and if I'm way off the mark I apologize. If indeed your LFS has completely done you over, then I am VERY sympathetic towards you. It's not unheard of and it's really not cool.

I wish you the best of luck and would love to see the tank thrive!
 
#163 · (Edited)
Thanks a lot for readind the thread & Thanks for advice willieturnip(though very rude). But why should i start the tank again. Its okay. I just need to wait to add fish. Pasfur has told me that bro, so the ich goes away. Monetary i am giving everything i can, so whats wrong with d cash. My tank will be completing 3rd month and that would be great. I just wont start again. Pasfur never told me. What abt stink? Do u know d answer? U r in this profession for last 10 years. U must have gone this. Plz read again my thread and solve it out if u can. Let see how experience u r.

Can i add a couple of perculas in my QT at this moment for 1.5 month? Only after checking ammonia & nitrates.

Plz reply.
 
#164 · (Edited by Moderator)
No no no.

If you could keep a pair of clowns in a small QT tank for an extended period of time then why the heck would you have so many problems with your display tank?!

WAIT 90 DAYS THEN GO FROM THERE!


In the mean time, research algae scrubbers. One would perfectly fit the bill here. They are cheap and easy to build and many people have replaced their skimmers with them.

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/...powerful-nitrate-phosphate-remover-diy-18000/


On the smell front, how deep is your sand bed? I'm thinking that if it's 2-4 inches it could be trapping detritus and generating huge amounts hydrogen sulphide, which flipping stinks!
 
#171 ·
No problem, thanks for understanding why I did the edit. :)

Zaitmi: While S/W fishes are rare in India and I can understand you wanting to "jump" on the next purchase, what's the point if the *new* fish isn't going to do well in your tank? Another fish will come along, they always do...
 
#167 ·
90 days ich ends on 15th jan. Till then if i get fish now, i will keep them QT.

Okay i just came back in Kolkata today and i can see again some brown algae in sand, glass and rock. Its diatom bloom again or its water quality concern. I am using RO filter purified water for drinking purpose in my home. The temp is 81.6 deg farhenhiet. Its winter here in India.

Plz help regarding brown algae, should i go for DIY.
 
#169 ·
90 days ich ends on 15th jan. Till then if i get fish now, i will keep them QT.

Okay i just came back in Kolkata today and i can see again some brown algae in sand, glass and rock. Its diatom bloom again or its water quality concern. I am using RO filter purified water for drinking purpose in my home. The temp is 81.6 deg farhenhiet. Its winter here in India.

Plz help regarding brown algae, should i go for DIY.
You know how to be successful in this hobby? Be patient.

You know how you get Patience? Wait for it.

Please. One step at a time. Stop worrying about Jan 15 and start worrying about today. Don't buy any fish. Get your tank stable. Mollie is right. What if something else happens?

As for the brown algae: I think that constantly messing with the tank is muddying up the water. Start addressing problems and leave it to heal.
 
#168 ·
i hav been following this thread since the beginning.....Willieturnip and pasfur have both told you to not get anymore fish until you figure out and get your tank straightened out. Why would you get a fish just to keep it in QT for so long ??? and how do you know everything is going to be stable enough in your display on january 15th to beable to move these fish over?????? I would NOT purchase anymore fish untill after your 90 day mark. I dont know how it works over there but here in the states you can put a deposit on a fish and the lfs will hold it for you. If you are rushing to buy fish because you arent sure when the next time they will be available then talk to them about putting a deposit down
 
#170 · (Edited)
Thanks guys. I luv u all bro for helping me.

The LFS here dont believe in any deposit. They will sell it immediately to any customer who is paying a bit more. They are totally cheaters when it comes to fishes. They will sell me an ill fish if i give advance and sell the good ones to others. Saltwater fishes are very difficult to get in India, specially in Kolkata. Even if u see it somewhere it gets sold very fast. Saltwater fishes are considered Rare Species in Kolkata. Try to understand friends. It not me here who is in hurry, but the circumstances makes me like that.

Can anyone suggest me a bottle of branded Phosphate Remover Kit.

DIY was cheap but my wife wont allow me. Short of Space in my home brothers.

Thanks a lot everybody who is concerned. BTW Whr is Pasfur? Long time no Post from him.
 
#176 ·
Thanks a lot everybody who is concerned. BTW Whr is Pasfur? Long time no Post from him.
I have made a personal decision to longer participate in this thread. I am not enjoying the discussion, and am becoming frustrated by the progression of the conversation. It really does not appear that the experience of our team is being utilized.
 
#172 · (Edited)
Can anyone suggest me a bottle of branded Phosphate Remover Kit.
or
a Brown Algae Remover product .

Can a UV sterilizer will solve algae problem.

What if i go straight and buy a UV sterilizer and not use these kits.

Awaiting for replies.

More Photos will be uploaded soon.
 
#173 ·
can anyone suggest me a good book for FOWLR or Marine Aquarium.

How are these books :




The New Marine Aquarium: Step-by-step Setup & Stocking Guide

(Paperback - 1999/05/01)
by
Michael D. Paletta

(Author)Write a Review

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook For Successful Saltwater Hobbyists

(Hardcover - 2008/06/03)
by
Robert Fenner

 
#175 ·
Can anyone suggest me a bottle of branded Phosphate Remover Kit.

Can anyone suggest me a good book for FOWLR or Marine Aquarium.

Can a UV sterilizer will solve algae problem.

What if i go straight and buy a UV sterilizer and not use these kits.

Plz help.


Awaiting for replies.
 
#178 ·
you did this to yourself zatimi. pasfur and the others spent A LOT of time trying to help you. we would hate to see you quit this hobby. Marine aquariums are not cheap by any means and cutting corners isnt an option here. This is why i have yet to attempt marine, plus i am new to even the freshwater hobby. IMPO you need to not quit, but put it on hold, gather some books, do your research and re-read this thread as many times as needed to see what mistakes you have made and NOT make them again. Also in re-reading, take the advice given to you and use it. if you do all these things you may end being successful at keeping a marine aquarium. But if you dont it will fail again and again and it will be more money wasted.
 
#179 ·
How can you afford a UV sterilizer and not an alkalinity test?

I'm not surprised that pasfur has bailed and I'm not sure why you are either.

You don't need books, you have the internet.

Don't quit, just postpone things for a bit. You need to leave the tank for a few months for the ich to settle down anyway.

Have you got enough rock (over 1lb a gallon) in your tank? If not this is a good time to add some ocean rock as base and let it seed for the next few months.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top