I have a male Beta fish and a sucker catfish in a 1.5 gallion tank and just cleaned it. Why does it smell?

Question

I have a male beta fish and a sucker fisf in a 1.5 gallion tank with a filter. I got the tank filter and beta the same time. The tank started to smell within a week so I cleaned it and got a sucker catfish and it started to smell again. How do I get the smell out for good?

Answer 1

the male betta could be ok in a tank that small with a heater and filter,but he sure would appreciate the extra room in a larger tank where he could thrive not just survive. the catfish needs out, return it to the pet store,your tank is too small. the smell will be the ammonia build up i would think,my 2 tanks never smell, but they are well cycled and they have 50-60% water changes every 4 days with dechlorinator added to the clean water before adding to the tank and filter boost added once the filter is up and running again. they do have a faint smell but its only when the hood is lifted and even then its nto a strong/bad smell, but when the tank was cycling it did have a bit of an odour.

Answer 2

if you want it to stop smelling and have your fish survive you are going to need a bigger tank. you say you have a 'sucker catfish' im assuming that means pleco. do you know how large these fish get? 1 to 2 feet. 12 inches is VERY common. you will need atleast a 40 gallon tank JUST for the algae eatter. i suggest you either return him, find him a new home or start saving for a bigger tank!

Answer 3

How often do you change your water?

That tank is way overcrowded!!!!

It is too small for even a Betta as they need at least 2 gallons!!

Return the catfish and get a bigger tank for your Betta and do partial water changes every week or so depending on the tank.

EDIT: By the way do a complete water change to get the smell out and save your fish from ammonia poisoning

Answer 4

check the food you give them cause some food if the fish don,t  eat it it will smell up the tank

Answer 5

it will always smell.

its the fish mucous covering.