Aquarium Odor

[modelmann1975]

I just set up an entirely new 28 gallon aquarium about 48 hours ago. All the equipments is new and clean. All the fish seem to be happy as can be, however, there is a strange, acrid, almost metalic odor, kinda like old orange peel that is starting to smell, coming from the tank, which I thought was odd considering it's only 2 days old. I have a couple fake plants and a store bought castle decoration. There are no dead fish and being that it's only been 2 days, there is no accumulation of food on the bottom nor algae growing. I've tested the water and the only thing that is out of ideal range is the alkalinity and the pH. Could this cause the odor and what should I do about it?

[cocoa_pleco]

are you doing a fish cycling? i think you maybe added too many fish and the rotting waste stinks

[modelmann1975]

I did not do a fish cycling. The tank I had was a bit over crowded (a 10 gallon tank) which is why I bought the larger one. I added all the fish from my old tank all at once. I'd never had this smell in my old tank even with overcrowding. Should I try to adjust the pH or remove some of the fish and let the tank balance? Is ther anyway to remove the odor before I start any processes? I am using a filter with carbon.

[cocoa_pleco]

the PH does not need to be adjusted. are you using any old filter media or gravel from your old tank? if not the tank isnt cycled, and the odor is from the decaying waste hence the cycle.

[modelmann1975]

No, I'm not using anything from the old tank, all new stuff. Cycling makes since, it does kinda smell like when your cat pees in your closet. Fortunately, I don't have a cat. I guess the best idea would be to move some of the fish back to the old tank and cycle the new one (and get some air freshener, of course) before reintroducing them to the larger tank.

[modelmann1975]

Can I fix this problem with a simple water change since the tank is already full of fish? Any tips would be great.

[slinky]

Can I fix this problem with a simple water change since the tank is already full of fish? Any tips would be great.

Without trying to sound disrespectful, you have two choices:

(A) The Best Way

(1) Get those fish out of the tank and put them back in the 10 gallon if you haven't taken it apart. Chances are your fish will die if you keep them in the 26 gallon. The reason is that it takes at least a week (accelerated) and usually 2-4 until the life cycle in the tank settles down.

(2) Read the FAQ here in the beginners section very carefully and quickly about setting up a new tank. You can also do a search in Google for "new tank syndrome" and you'll understand what we're all talking about.

(3) Go to your local fish store and get (a) Seachem's Stability or Biospora as the others are usually not effective, (b) get a test kit, perhaps API's 4 in one for each of the following: Ammonia, pH, Nitrite and Nitrate. Seachem also has a great kit.

(4) Follow the directions on how to cycle a tank. Only experienced people should give it a week. I was lucky and did an almost 6 day cycle and I hope never to do that again. Get used to lots of water changes from days 6-14. Keep testing your tank... ESPECIALLY if you've got fish in there. Bottom line is Ammonia should be very close to if not 0, pH depends upon your fish but usually 7 is pretty safe, Nitrite should be 0 and Nitrates should be low and relatively close to 0. Hi ammonia is usually the new tank killer and that will be produced in mass at the beginning, followed by Nitrites which will also kill your fish albeit a little more slowly.

(B) The Quick Way

Move all your gravel to the new tank. Move your filter to your new tank. Add some water from your old tank and mix it with the new. Let it sit there during the day for a bit and then slowly transfer your fish into the 26. Get that API or Seachems test kit and measure your water regularly.

Bottom Line: Be ready to do daily water changes, sometimes once in the Am and once in the PM. This is not a good way to run your tank. Read the FAQ here ASAP and good luck.

[cocoa_pleco]

ditto with above ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[hpt84]

I cycle my 55g the quick way, because my tank was huge, so there were more room for error if Ammonia spike. I'm also very impatience. I move my 4 danios from my 10 to 55g. Move all my rock and driftwood. I cut my filter pad into piece and insert them in my new filter. I also did a lot of water changes. This isn't the better way, but as slinky say it is the quicker way.

[Tooch]

I'm in complete agreement with slinky. I would go with Option A.