Real Newbie Question: What's that Urine Smell

[RockWalk]

Here's the set up:

I have 5 goldfish, (two are Black Moors,) in a new 5gal tank.

The tank, (from Petco,) is a Aquatic Gardens Five Gallon Mini-Aquarium. I set up last weekend: rinsed everything, filled it, treated the water, transferred the fish from a temporary 2.5gal tank when water temps matched.

Tank has no heater, but the 15watt bulb puts out a lot (too much, IMO) heat. The hood is fully enclosed with thin ventilation slits. There's also a removable clear, flat plastic cover that lies on top of the tank -- under the hood -- with a slot to feed the fish.

Here's the situation:

When I entered the room the tank is in yesterday, there was a very strong urine smell. At first I thought the can't left a gift, but when I lifted the hood on the tank, it was obvious that was the source of the smell.

Can someone advise me on the source of the "urine" (ammonia?) and how to handle it.

Thanks!

RockWalk

[wetmanNY]

The fish excrete ammonia from their gills. Five small goldfish in a raw 5 gallon tank that is just beginning to cycle will be disastrous within a week. You need to begin daily 50% water changes while you decide what to do.

You need to settle down with a good book on basic fishkeeping right away. http://faq.thekrib.com is a good start on the web, though it's not specifically about goldfish.

A five gallon tank will be too small for one goldfish.

[crash]

Keep in mind goldfish are coldwater fish, so you don't want a heater nor do you want a light that give off heat... and five gallons for five goldfish is very inadeqate. Lots of goldfish grow to be almost a foot long. Your going to have a struggle dealing with those golfish, especially in a 5 gallon tank that hasn't been cycled. Do research. Goldfish are one of the most abused fish in the hobby.

[RockWalk]

Not to argue capicity of fish-to-tank, but to clarify:

The 3 "standard" goldfish are 1" long; the 2 black bubble-eyes are 1-1/2". The bubble eyes lived in a temporary 2.5gal tank for 3 weeks without a problem.

We have another 7gal tank with eight smaller fish (differing varieties,) all 1"/less in size. This tank has been going beautifully for over a year.

We're falling the same program with the new tank.

Any suggestions? Is keeping the 5gal tank a viable option? If so, how can I adjust the environment to improve the conditions?

Thanks again!

[ChilDawg]

Bubble eyes will not feed well with standards.

That 5g is not viable...the five goldies will all die because of effects related to ammonia and nitrite levels...I don't think that you'll ever get enough nitrifying bacteria to adequately handle that fish load.

[Slappy*McFish]

Do you have a cat?:)

[demon_surfer]

Goldfish = poop machines

thats why your water smells. Plus the others are right, unless they become seriously stunted because of sub-par care (i am not attacking you) they will get very big...ive seen goldfish as big as softballs

[Mantis_22]

I though it was my fish in my first ever fish tank about 4 years ago. I fount out it was a dead rat behind the TV :(

[demon_surfer]

:eek:

[OrionGirl]

Ammonia and rot are not the same smells at all.

[Mantis_22]

i sure did find that out that the hard way well.

[thom336]

A few rules:
- never mix fancy and singletail goldfish
- for coldwater stock no more than 1" per gallon, and only once tank is fully cycled
- always cycle new set ups
- dont use lighting that gives out too much heat - try fluoresents or halogens
- always provide adequate filtration (unless you plan to do it all with regular large water changes - but filtration is far better)
- dont be put off

[mickey]

Originally posted by Mantis_22
I though it was my fish in my first ever fish tank about 4 years ago. I fount out it was a dead rat behind the TV :(

I would much rather be smelling ammonia than a dead rat :eek:
Cheers.

[RockWalk]

All,

Thanks for all the advise. I never knew about cycling -- other than the kind with two wheels.

I'm going to make a go for it with these guys. Likely get a bigger tank, cycle it first. In the meantime, will swamp to a lower watt bulb, change water frequently, and read up on taking proper care of my brood.

Grazie,

RockWalk

p.s. yes. I have a cat, but he's never taken interest in the fish (so far.)