Ray Tank - Odor?

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T

tanglovers

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 28, 2007
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Michigan
I have what I feel is an odd question. I have a solution just want to make sure I am not overlooking anything or this is a sign of something else.

I currently have 2 ray systems up and running, a 200g system and a 600 gallon system. I recently over the last few months have gotten 3 large (16-18") marbled motoros. The male is in the 200g system and the females (2) are in the 600 gallon system.

Since getting these rays I have noticed an odor from these systems. I assume it is due to the huge amount of food they eat and I am feeding them mostly massivore since they all love it now. I was told massivore creates an odor and it does seem more noticeable sicne I feed more massivore now and less shrimp, smelt and tilapia.

All water parameters are great, the 600g system is on a drip system - about 120 gallons a day, the 200g system gets 50% water changes every 3-4 days.

The 200g system is getting moved into my fish room and the 600g system I will be finishing the install where it will be sealed off from the rest of the house with an exhaust fan so this is only a short term issue.

Both tanks are set up there the drains flow down over mechanical filtration pads then into a sump.

Any thoughts or is this just normal for ray tanks? I have never kept a large freshwater tank until these tanks. I am a big saltwater guy and have around 2000 gallons of that without any of this.

Thanks!
 
If you have a 600g w/ a drip system that means that you've probably covered all your bases with all the bad things that could cause odor (decaying food, insufficient filtration etc.) So I can say with 99% confidence that it is just the massivore that is stinking up your tank. That stuff reeks and my wife always complains about odors coming from the tank after I feed it for a few days.
 
The BB is all established in these tanks. No left over food only feed what they eat in a timely matter.

I really think it is the massivore. Anyone tried other pellets with less odor issues? I like to do a lot of pellets because this time of year I travel a lot and it is much easier for the wife and tank sitters to handle.
 
Sounds like massivores, I dont use it anymore because it stinks up my hand and room so bad, just be careful it is not amonia smelling, smells like cat pee. I doubt it is with a set up like yours, which btw sounds awesome and you should post pics!
 
Carbon should work, but keep in mind it also removes ammonia which is what the BB eats. So the amount of BB will decrease. Should be fine, just need to remember to replace the carbon on a regular basis so nothing leeches back into the system or causes the tank to cycle.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
 
What are you guys feeding instead of massivore? Is there another pellet that is less 'smelly'? Or are you guys just doing all fresh seafood?
 
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