Any Other Tank Sniffers Here?

[Nick Park]

My wife thinks it's weird, but I sniff my tanks each day to check water quality. I've discovered that sense of smell is just as important as a visual check (eg as for cloudiness). When something is going wrong in the tank it definitely smells different. There is a very distinctive, if hard to describe, smell from a healthy fish tank. Am I alone in this? Or do others on here ever sniff their tanks?

 

[Hendre]

An earthy smell is a good indicator of Nitrates in my experience. Unsure if you must do a WC? Sniff! (Or get a test kit)

 

[A201]

I'm not so much a tank water sniffer, but do include the noted sniff test when cleaning the AC power filter media. In particular the big sponges. Healthy filter media emits the earthy odor mentioned above by Hendre. A rotten, fishy odor means an imbalance.

 

[krichardson]

I'm no tank sniffer but I have been around my share of funky fishtanks.

 

[duanes]

Sniff test is always good.... tanks... old food.... arm pits....everything, if tank smells off.... look for corpses, do a couple tests, change lots of water.
If filter media smells like rotten eggs.....needs cleaning (Hydogen sulfide buildup from anaerobic bacteria in too much gunk).

 

[tlindsey]

Yes I personally take a sniff of my aquariums and the materials used for filtration when removed during wc's. Did a sniff test today lol. Love that earthy scent.

 

[esoxlucius]

I'm just glad you put "tank" in your thread title! Otherwise this thread could have spiralled uncontrollably down a very awkward path!!

But just for the record, when I remove my huge wad of filter floss from my sump on water change day I always give it the smell test. A good rich earthy smell is what you want.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I made a similar statement on this forum a few years ago and was called out for it. The member said humans could not smell things at the sensitivity of a good test kit. I let it go and do continue to sniff my tanks and have for decades.
Over time I know what a healthy tank smells like. May not be able to judge all parameters but when the smell is off I start doing some checking.

 

[FINWIN]

If I walk in the fishroom and black out from stink, then its time to clean. If its good funk I leave it be.

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

I can't say I do it daily, but I have been know to do the sniff test on occasion.