Why does an unpleasant smell come from the aquarium and how to solve this problem?

Clear water, the absence of extraneous odors, clean walls - the dream of any aquarist. Millions of microorganisms live in the aquarium, so the characteristic smell from the aquarium is always present. If the smell has become unpleasant, this is a signal that the ecosystem is damaged and urgent measures are needed to restore it.

The reasons for the change in the smell of water

There is a way to quickly solve the problem. But if you do not find the cause, the nasty smell will return again.

• A large number of inhabitants

One of the common causes of stench from the aquarium is overpopulation. Each fish needs a certain amount of life. If it is not enough, the amount of oxygen in the water decreases, the waste products of the inhabitants pollute the soil and water. Follow the guidelines and keep track of how many fish and what size can live in your aquarium.

For a small fish you need 3 liters of water. Also pay attention to the number of plants, snails and other inhabitants.

• Soil thickness

It is difficult for a beginner to understand how much soil is needed for his aquarium, what size stones to choose. In a thick layer of soil, food residues, fish waste are accumulated. If the layer is too thick, the organic matter begins to rot, and the release of methane begins. All this is reflected in the smell of water, putrefactive notes appear.

Choose stones of different diameters for the soil, the layer thickness should not exceed a height of 5 cm.

• Overfeeding

A common cause of disgusting odors is excess feed. Fish can not be overfed: uneaten food sinks to the bottom and rots. Microorganisms multiply that upset the balance. The consequences of overfeeding are manifested in a sharp, rotten stench.

It is necessary to proceed as follows:

1. reduce portions;
2. remove food residues;
3. flush the soil;
4. 1-2 days do not feed the fish, it will not bring them trouble.

Change feed - you may have acquired low-quality. If after that the aquarium smells of fresh water and greenery, you have found the source of the problem.

• Poor aeration

With insufficient oxygen supply in the water, the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria begins, which causes its clouding and the appearance of an unpleasant marsh odor. Check if your filter and compressor are suitable, work well, and if enough oxygen is supplied. If the fish behave unnaturally, keep in the lower part of the aquarium, then they lack oxygen. Install a larger compressor, change the filter by selecting a sample with a forced circulation system, and adjust the oxygen supply.

• Untimely cleaning

In order to have a pleasant aroma from the aquarium with fish, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness, to prevent the color change of water and glass.

The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the container. In addition, living in an aquarium of snails and some fish species, which play the role of "orderlies", reduces the frequency of cleaning. If during the cleaning you find dead inhabitants, change all the water to avoid infection.

• Water stagnation

In large-volume aquariums, a natural balance is established - it is enough to add fresh instead of evaporated water. But in most cases this is not enough, because fish excrement and food residues accumulate. It is considered optimal to replace 25-30% of water every week.

It is important to comply with the measure. A weekly complete water change leads to the death of beneficial microorganisms and fish.

• Wrong decorative elements

Shells, snags and locks made of low-quality plastic, over time, begin to release toxic substances that affect the state of the water. Buy decorative elements in specialized pet stores, pay attention to the material from which they are made.

Odor removal

Whatever the cause of the problem, the most effective way to get rid of it is to clean the aquarium and replace the water.

To take less time, prepare everything you need in advance:

• capacity for fish transplantation;
• prepared, previously defended water;
• a butterfly net;
• glass cleaning tools and preparations;
• pump;
• thermometer.

Sequencing:

1. Use the net to transfer the aquatic inhabitants to a temporary container. Make sure that the temperature in it and the aquarium coincide.
2. Turn off the thermometer, filter, compressor. Take them out.
3. Get decorative elements and seaweed.
4. Allow the water to settle, use a pump to remove part of the water, drain into a clean bucket.
5. Remove the soil, rinse it.
6. Pour out the rest of the muddy water, using a scraper to clean the glass and the bottom of the aquarium. If necessary, use special tools for washing aquarium glasses.
7. Rinse algae, remove damaged and decayed areas. Wash decorative elements, disinfect for half an hour in a solution of water with bleach. Brush your jewelry with an old toothbrush to remove all plaque. Rinse in clean water, pour over boiling water.
8. Lay out soil and decorative details at the bottom of the aquarium.
9. Clean filter, flush thermometer and compressor.
10. Pour in old water, add fresh to the required volume.
11. Install equipment.
12. Check the temperature in the aquarium, bring it to the level at which fish are kept in a temporary tank.
13. Connect the equipment, transplant the inhabitants of the aquarium.

Keeping your aquarium water clean will help you with biological water filters. These drugs break down residues of organic substances, destroy putrefactive and marsh odors, and prevent pollution of soil, algae, and walls. Due to this, the water remains clean, the load on the filter is reduced. Preparations help create the natural environment in a densely populated aquarium. These products are safe and can be used with every water change.

So, if the aquarium began to smell unpleasant, it means that the time has come to thoroughly clean it and pay attention to the conditions of keeping the fish. Usually this problem is not difficult to solve, you just need to correctly identify the cause of the smell.