*groan* Chemical Poisoning During Cycling

[Delaneia]

I have had a 50 gallon cycling with large minnows for 6 weeks now, just had water tested and all params were great. Was transfering my 2 piranha this weekend and overnight all of my minnows had died! I went back to have my water tested and they had said all was great. Come to find out that the cat had knocked 1/4 bottle of pimafix (sp?) into the tank while the babysitter was here
Now my question is...
What do I do now?lol. Is my cycle screwed or can I just do 50% water change and a filter carbon change?

 

[Delaneia]

oh and if I can just do water changes and a carbon change how long would it take for the 50 gallon to be safe for my reds? (I wish there were some sort of chemical test kit)

 

[Puffdaddy]

Must have been the big bottle? I don't think it will harm the bacteria colonies that have started, as primafix is "safe" and should not kill them off as other meds do. Although I would do a large water change to remove some of the primafix. I would also invest on your own (liquid) test kit for yourself, it will make life so much easier.

 

[Delaneia]

lol...It was the big bottle
And as for the test kit I'm getting one tommorrow actually. Thanks for the info. So to be on the safe side though, should I wait 1-2 weeks before adding my red bellies?
I know it safe for the bacteria colonies(the meds that spilled) but 9 of the minnows died, and I'd hate the H20 to harm my piranha

 

[poopsydrew]

lol...It was the big bottle
And as for the test kit I'm getting one tommorrow actually. Thanks for the info. So to be on the safe side though, should I wait 1-2 weeks before adding my red bellies?
I know it safe for the bacteria colonies(the meds that spilled) but 9 of the minnows died, and I'd hate the H20 to harm my piranha

Just make sure your tank stays cycled as the minnows will no longer be providing any source for nitrifying bacteria.

Drew

 

[Lynda B]

I would also look into what allowed your cat to have access to both a bottle of meds and your fish tank..... We have all of our fish meds in a closed cabinet because we have a cat and two dogs. I'd hate to see them ingest something, nevermind dump something into one of the tanks. As you mentioned a babysitter, I'd be concerned about children getting into this stuff, as well.

Sorry you lost your minnows.....

 

[Delaneia]

Drew..thank you I will be getting more minnows in a few days (did a 50% water change already) to keep the tank cycled

And Lynda ..thank you. I have all my aqaurium stuff on a high shelf (meds, aqua safe ect) that I didn't think my cats could get onto (boy was I wrong, little stinker jumped onto a chair and the buffet, then the shelf to see inside the tank lol) But thanks for your concern, and the condolences of my lost minnows (I was kinda bummed out )

Ah well c'est la vie I suppose

Thanks again

 

[Lynda B]

It's a real learning experience, isn't it.... fishkeeping is a very humbling hobby. What we don't see as a peril proves itself to be just that. We learn as we go.

 

[Puffdaddy]

Check and make sure all the caps are on tightly and always tighten down after use. The cap must of been off or loose.