Mystic54

Well I got a filter a couple weeks ago for my 5.5 gallon divided betta tank. Around the same time (maybe a couple weeks soon) I got some java moss. The java moss began to die a couple days ago so I threw it out since it was stinking up my bedroom. Well I noticed that when I removed the java moss the tank still smelled really bad so I did a 75% water change and changed the filter media (I had no choice but to throw it out) Now I'm recycling the tank all over again, but why is my water STILL smelling? Is it because of the java moss, or because I'm using a new filter pad? I've never had this problem before..

iloveengl

Could there be rotting bits stuck in the substrate? I know it took me a couple big water changes before I got that stench out of my 55g tank after an unsuccessful try at plants. Check under decor too. Rotting plants are stanky!

Can you add a bit of filter and substrate (maybe in a nylon) from your 20g to your 5.5g to get your cycle back? In the meantime, keep a close eye on params.

aquarist48

Hello Mystic. Hope you're doing well today. The smell in your tank is one of the main reasons I use activated carbon (AC)around the clock in all of my tanks and change it out every 3 weeks. I hate that you've thrown out your filter media because I think it could have been avoided. Too, I don't think it was the java moss causing your tank to smell.
I highly recommend that you add some AC or replace it if you are currently using it.
Best wishes.
Ken

Beth1965

I think Ken's suggestions are good ones, in case you don't know what AC is, its activated carbon.

Mystic54

Thank you everyone. I'm not sure if I could add AC to my filter. I have the red sea nano filter. Is there a way to make a bagful of the AC so it will fit in the filter? I know the AC I use for my aquaclear filter would be too large to fit in my nano filter.
I've done some browsing on the forum and found that water that has very little surface movment could smell. Could this be a problem as well? I have the filter on it's lowest setting. Should I try running a bubble stone? On the other hand I have an Anubis nana plant still in that tank and wouldn't want to take away the majority of the Co2 away from it.