HELP! Tank smells like sewage!

rossman

Hi

One of my friend's children dumped a full large can of food in my 30 gallon tank . I did not notice until the next day. Now my tank is cloudy and smells like sewage. I did a bottom siphon and replaced about 1/2 the water. We have had one fish die but the other 5 seem to be OK. What should I do next? Are there any chemicals that will help?

Thanks,
Ross

Jay

Hey Ross,

I would get some turbulence in there at the surface of the water either an air stone or power head to promote O2.

I assume your tank is cycled so...

It will not hurt to do another big water change...like 70% and another in a day or two just be sure you use a good dechlor product. Vacuum each time and stir up the bottom with your hand so you can siphon out as much gunk as you can. Keep changing out your filter media, new activated charcoal every few days will help with the smell.

Closer supervision of the child, and/or your friend, whichever is more appropriate LOL it takes me back but I bet it has happened to a lot of us.

Regards,
Jay

rossman

Thanks for your reply Jay. I will do as you advise.

Needless to say my wife was a bit overwhelmed by an additional 4 girls and one boy aged 2 - 8 invading our normally quite home . Stuff happens. I just hope I can save the rest of my fish.

Cheers,
Ross