General Care Discussion :: Stinky Tank

[josephkr]

I've got a 50 gallon tank and a Fluval 405 filter. I've had the filter for about 2 years and loved it but recently my tank has been pretty stinky. It just smells like a turtle tank, but with my Fluval filter I've never had odor issues, but the last couple months it's gotten more and more stinky. I changed the carbon about two weeks ago, and change it every month. What's going on? Do I need to replace the foam pads in the filter?

[Jeremiah]

Like you mentioned, the foam pads may have just gotten old and clogged up with debris.if you haven't changed them for a while, go ahead and switch them out.

How often are you doing water changes, and how much per change? Any new food items that may make for bad smelling stools?

[josephkr]

I'm refilling the tank a little every week, but when I clean it I drain about 1/3 of the water.

[Jeremiah]

What do your pads and bio media look like?

[steve]

Topping off the tank doesn't help too much. Go for a change and pad change. Pads are usually plastic foam and slowly break apart.