new tank, unusual problem

[starrfish71]

okay- I was given a 40 gal tank with a oak cabinet stand,wet dry, U/V , compact three bulb light, heater, etc etc It included three gorgeous clown loaches, a way too big pleco, some tetras, and some live plants. Everything works, no problem there.

heres the problem- I'm a non-smoker- and asthmatic. The people who gave me the tank were chain smokers living in a small trailer. It wasn't until I got home with the set up that I realized the tank REEKS like a bar bathroom- it's so bad I can hardly stay in the room the tank is in for more than a few minutes. ( my asthma kicks in!)

I have had the windows wide open since it arrived. I have wiped the cabinet stand down with vinegar, straight and diluted,Simple Green, and I've sprayed it with my cat deoderizer stuff, and I most recently got two large boxes of baking soda and set them inside. I asked my boyfriend his opinion of what to do, and he suggested re-varnishing the stand. I'm pretty sure to do that properly I would have to break down the whole system again and start over.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions or experience with this- I like the set up, and wnat to keep it.

 

[FishHeadSoup]

i would probably setup another tank or see if you could have a friend or pet shop hold your fish for a few days....

and then revarnish and paint the stand...

no sense in keeping fish if you cant properly enjoy them!

 

[Euge]

ewww thats really nasty.. i can only suggest to air out the tank for a few days with some baking soda in it. You could also try getting some charcoal and stick it in the tank too.. Dont put water in it.

I would also do what you bf suggests. I take it you have another tank other than this one, would it be possible to put the new accquired fish into another tank for a couple of days?

 

[Zoodiver]

Cleaning the stand is going to be a major project. That order can really get deep into wood. Getting a new stand might be something you want to look into.

 

[FishHeadSoup]

if you dont have an extra tank, then use a huge bucket or plastic bin and place your existing filters and water for a day or two till the tank stand is ready....

 

[Bigg081]

FREBREEZE

 

[gomezladdams]

Set the tank up on the floor and refinish the stand.Chances are thats where most of the smell is.Glass and plastic dont hold water very well

 

[Honda12]

That sucks. Hope you can get the smell out.

 

[DiXoN]

i agree to setting up a seperate container to keep the fish in for a few days.
you could get a large plastic lidded container from a diy store keep them in that and revarnish the whole stand.
remember to give a good sand and clean first as its all in the prep work getting a good finish

 

[gomezladdams]

Set the tank up on the floor and refinish the stand.Chances are thats where most of the smell is.Glass and plastic dont hold water very well

I meant SMELL not water lol