Saltwater smells?

Hello again, all--

One of the (many) considerations in setting up my pico reef tank is that the tank I have is open top. My husband is worried it will stink up the house because it doesn't have a top on it. (The tank is currently being used for freshwater and it doesn't smell, but he's worried about the saltwater scent.)

Can anyone whose reef tank doesn't have a top confirm or deny if it stinks, for lack of a better word? Lol

 

Any stink is bad in aquarium. If it stinks it's most likely decay. Means you're not taking good care

 

Hi,
While the tank is cycling, there can often be horrible smells coming from the tank. My tank was fine, but I know many whose setups were putrid while cycling.

However, once cycled, it'll just smell like the beach. And it shouldn't be over-powering, just when you're directly close to it (just like a Freshwater has a faint mossy/earthy smell).

That said, for a pico, I would really consider a hood of some sort to help limit evaporation and thus salinity spikes.

 

Thank you, Teishokue and ryanr!
ryanr, that's great to know. I got this tank from a LFS display and it didn't come with a top, but I bet I can order one from the manufacturer or make something. Thanks again!!

 

Don't get a glass lid though. The evaporation will result in a whole lot of salt creep stuck to it, and you'll be forever cleaning it.

 

Oooh good to know!! I didn't even think of that. Thank you ryanr!

 

I have a lid on mine, though I leave it open on occasion. we are still cycling, but I have noticed no smells at all from the tank other than the slightly salty smell, much like what you smell at the beach. def no stink though.

as far as the glass top, I have a glass top on mine at this point- would putting a sheet of plastic wrap on it and changing that weekly be an alright idea? lol