my tank smells

Question
we have had it a week now almost 2. it is a 10 gallon i got one male betta 2 white clouds (betta ate the other 2 i had) an 3 corey panda catfish, one live green weed type plnt that floats an is planted well some is. we have 2 bubble making machines an one rock type decoration. i have a good filter a heater an temp gage an some gravel. it stinks the smell is bad. how do i fix it? what do i do with the fish? how can i prevent this? and any other info you can give would be appreciated!
thanks a bunch in advance

Answer
Hi Alicia,
Sounds like your tank hasn't been "cycled" yet or Established the good beneficial bacteria that are so important in every aquarium. They are the ones responsible for converting dangerous ammonia (produced by your fish into less toxic chemicals) first they convert ammonia into what's called "Nitrite" another dangerous chemical, but fortunately later more bacteria convert the nitrite into nitrate which is the end product of the bacteria's work and nitrate is not toxic unless in high concentrations and is kept in check with your regular maintenance water changes.

But these bacteria are not present in recently setup tanks and they need a good 4-6 weeks (more or less depending on the tank) to get fully established. They live in your filter, gravel and all other surfaces in the tank. Until they can get established enough in sizable colonies, there will be ammonia buildup and that may be what you are smelling. Keep in mind ammonia is very toxic to fish and they can only tolerate it for so long. It burns their skin, fins, and gills.

Fortunately you can test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates with a simple test kit from your petstore. Or you can bring a sample of water to your petstore and have them test it for you. But be sure to get the exact readings and don't settle for a "Everything's fine" because usually petstore employees are no educated enough. Just beware the petstore's advice.

If you don't have a test kit. I'd do a water change anyway (it will not hurt the fish or stop the tank from cycling) somewhere around 50% would be best. Remember you don't have to remove the fish while doing a water change. I say this because I use to believe that it was needed back so many years ago (in the dark ages- lol) when I first started fishkeeping! ;-)

Just make sure when doing the water change to always make sure the replacement water you add back is treated with a good water conditioner and the temperature is equal to or just a bit warmer than your tank.

You may have to repeat these water changes everyday to get rid of the polluted water enough to make the smell go away.

*Eventually your aquarium will cycle on its own and take care of the ammonia and smelly problems. But in the meantime, testing your water would be great and just keep a close eye on your fish for any signs of stress (clamped fins, heavy breathing, listlessness, ect..)*

I wish you the best and I hope this helps!
Karen~