Possible Mercury Poisoning

[Karah's_Mommy]

I came home tonight and found my glass thermometer floating freely in the tank. It was upright but the top was broken open. The inside wasn't wet so I was hoping that the mercury didn't get in the water. My fish do look a little sluggish though. I just dropped in some mysis shrimp and my usually aggressive eaters have barely touched the food. I don't know what to do. I can do a water change but I doubt that would get all the mercury out. Even if I change all of the water, I don't think it would work. Any ideas ?

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, first thing's first, realize that you do not have a mercury thermometer if it was made between 1990 and present day . Mercury has not been used for well over a decade in all common retail applications since it is EXCEPTIONALLY toxic. Were your thermometer mercury, you'd see gray bubbles floating on top of the water and your fish would allready all be dead. Mercury is limited to highly precise laboratory instruments and is very expensive as it is now a restricted chemical in the US.

What is/was in your thermometer however is a mixture of alcohol, food coloring, and unfortunately methanol. The good news is that methanol is a relatively volitile compound and will evaporate from the water column relatively quickly. The bad news, it is poisonous to most life forms, saltwater aquaria included. Run some fresh carbon if you havent allready and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck

 

[Karah's_Mommy]

Would a hob filter from a freshwater tank work? That's about all I have on hand atm. I can run up to Walmart now, but that's about the extent of my options at midnight.

 

[SkiFletch]

Would a hob filter from a freshwater tank work? That's about all I have on hand atm. I can run up to Walmart now, but that's about the extent of my options at midnight.

If its got carbon pads, its better than nothing. If it doesnt have carbon though, dont bother