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plastic odor from new ornament

25 9:12:18

Question
Dear Karen ,
Thank you for your response. The tank is cycled and the water tested fine on all accounts before and after the plastic smell.
I had this problem once before with another tank and new ornaments and the smell went away.
Im guessing it wasnt the water that killed the algea eater since all the other fish are ok.
I am currently soaking the new ornament until the odor disipates.
Thanks again  for your response. I love your info on this site.
Sandy
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Followup To

Question -
Dear Karen,

I purchased new aquarium ornaments made by Top Fin for my aquarium. I rinsed them as directed and placed them in my aquarium. A day later the water had such a horrible plastic smell from the ornaments. I took the ornaments out and did partial water changes every day until the smell was gone. I only lost an algea eater.
I returned the ornaments and got a different brand and tested it in a pail of water. It also has the same odor.
Is there anything you know of that will get the odor out?
Thanks,
Sandy

Answer -
Dear Sandy,
Hopefully your aquarium is cycled and the plastic smell is not in fact ammonia. A major red flag is also the unfortunate loss of your algae eater. If you can, test your water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. But it's very good you changed the water like you did! :-)

I have asked other aquarists if they've had any problem with plastic smell of ornaments and none have had any. I have also neither had problems with this and your case is quite an exception.I would imagine either way the plastic smell shouldn't be harmful. You could have lost the algae eater due to other poor water quality factors. I'll continue to consider your problem however....And see what else I might come up with.

Thanks for your patience,
Best wishes and Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~

Answer
A big hello again Sandy,
I'm glad you found the info on this site useful. But i'm still sorry I've never had any experience with the plastic decor making the water smell. I have had many, many aquarium ornaments and none have smelled. Maybe they are made different today?

If I do find an aquarists who has had the same problem, I'll be sure to let you know.

You're very welcome and best wishes as always!
Karen~