Pest Exterminators

[Frank77]

They are coming to spray my apartment, as a neighbour has bed bugs. Though I have never had any in here, they insist on doing a preventative spray, which I suppose is a good thing.
 
I know enough to make sure the air pump is disconnected, and I plan on sealing it in a bag, to be sure nothing gets in there. I also plan to turn off the filter, and cover the tank in plastic sheets, and a blanket.
 
So....how long can it be safe for the fish? They are saying to be out for four hours after the spraying.
 
I realize it's related to how many fish I have, and the size of the tank, here is my setup.....
 
20 gallon
5 guppies
2 plecos
1 shrimp

 

[fluttermoth]

If it's an internal filter, you can keep that on.

Keep the tank sealed up (you need to tape down the plastic sheets to make sure not a trace of the insecticide gets in) until the next day, at least.

Make sure you don't feed the fish for a couple of days beforehand, so as to keep waste to a minimum while you can't do any maintenance, and lower the water level, if you can, to keep aeration up while the tank is sealed.

 

[Frank77]

I should have mentioned, it's an external filter.... Aqua Clear 50, to be precise.
 
As for the rest of your advice, will do.
 
Thanks!

 

[NickAu]

I have personal experience with this.
 

 

Keep the tank sealed up (you need to tape down the plastic sheets to make sure not a trace of the insecticide gets in) until the next day, at least.

 
Do not allow the pest controller anywhere near your tank if you can watch them like a hawk. I lost all my fish a while ago because the pest controller sprayed an air pump.

 

[Frank77]

Sorry for that loss, it must have been terrible.
 
I was planning on watching them, I even have my own respirator, from a previous job I had, if he protests my presence.

 

[Frank77]

Wait.....is my Aqua Clear 50 an internal filter?
 
I am not sure if you meant a submersible one vs. mine that hangs off the back of the tank.

 

[hudsona85]

The AquaClear is HOB (Hang On Back) and yes I would consider this external since air can still get in. If you can some how tape to seal around the filter to the tank?

 

[Frank77]

OK....I'll see what I can do.
 
Thanks

 

[Far_King]

Is it worth putting cling film across the top of the tank to make sure it's as well sealed as possible?

 

[fluttermoth]

Is it worth putting cling film across the top of the tank to make sure it's as well sealed as possible?

Could be worth a go; I've always used bin liners, taped around the sides of the tank. As long as it's airtight, it doesn't really matter what you use

 

[Frank77]

I just wanted to say, they have come and gone, my fish are fine.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

[fluttermoth]

Good news, glad it didn't cause any issues for you

 

[hudsona85]

Congrats!