I have a 10 gallon and I think it has aerobic bacteria problems because the water smells like rotten eggs; it's done this many times, and I'm sick of it. I think I should clean out the tank totally, and only put in a small layer of gravel. Since I have fish in there, should I put back maybe 10% of the tanks current water? If there is anything else I should do, don't hesitate to add. Thanks.
Should I totally reclean my tank?
- Thread starter Nabbig2
- Start date
Perhaps having LESS then 1" of substrate, cleaning the tank very well and changing the filter pads would work. Tanks just don't smell for any old reason.
Your either overfeeding, not doing enough water changes, or have inadequate filteration for what you have in there is my guess, or a combination of the three.
You are referring to an anaerobic problem, meaning without oxygen. Aerobic is good 
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I don't know what you mean by "totally recleaning" your tank but don't do it too well or you will kill all your beneficial bacteria and send yourself back into a cycle.
I would just gravel vac every other day for the next week, say removing 30-40% of the water each time. This will remove all the detritus from the gravel. Removing some gravel as others suggested is good too if you have an excessive amount.
Clean your filter(s) by rinsing in old tank water.
As everyone else said, as long as you keep up with your tank maintenance and do not over feed, you tank should stay in good shape, and just smell "earthy"...
Burt
.I don't know what you mean by "totally recleaning" your tank but don't do it too well or you will kill all your beneficial bacteria and send yourself back into a cycle.
I would just gravel vac every other day for the next week, say removing 30-40% of the water each time. This will remove all the detritus from the gravel. Removing some gravel as others suggested is good too if you have an excessive amount.
Clean your filter(s) by rinsing in old tank water.
As everyone else said, as long as you keep up with your tank maintenance and do not over feed, you tank should stay in good shape, and just smell "earthy"...
Burt