Why does my water smell like sulfur?

[twilliard]

I have been busy with life's issues and today I changed my carbon in the spyglass reactor.
Well once changed I noticed a strong sulfur smell from the top of the reactor.
What makes the water smell like sulfur?
Tank has been having issues I think due to the lack of my attention
Thanks!

 

[Downbeach]

Has the reactor been turned off? If so, it has developed hydrogen sulfide(rotten eggs smell) due to organic matter decomposing in stagnant water.

 

[twilliard]

No it runs 24 7
Hydrogen sulfide?
How do I get rid of that?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Maybe the flow is too slow and decaying organics in it are causing it to become anaerobic.

It also can get that way pretty quick after stopping the flow, especially if there is collected detritus, so maybe it wasn't that way before you stopped the flow?

If you can, smell the effluent when it is back running.

 

[AnOldSaltyDog]

Do you have a DSB? Sounds like hydrogen sulfide produced by anaerobic bacteria. You could try vacuuming your sand bed and doing a water change...to my knowledge that can help reduce the hydrogen sulfide levels in your tank.