Silica Gel Packet

[pl*co]

Help Please. Silica Gel Packet Fell in Tank

I just noticed that the Sorb-It Silica Gel packet from one of my fish food containers was laying at the bottom of one of my fish tanks. Apparently, it got in there when I fed the fish a short while ago. I removed the pack (those things smell nasty) and I'm thinking a heafty water change is in order, but while I'm trying not to panic, I thought I would ask if anyone else has accidentally done this, what the results were and what you did to resolve the problem. Thanks much.

 

[kamla]

havent done that ... Yet.. so cannot help.. but i wanted to know what type of fiah you have in ur avater looks look

 

[Blinky]

Pl*co, I think you probably have nothing to worry about
I just found a very odd, cute little site dedicated to information on silica gel (some very interesting people out there!) which states:
"Obviously, Silica Gel isn't actually gel. Basically, it's pourous sand. Silica is made up of SiO2, Silicon Dioxide. That's the same material that's found in Quartz. It's used as a drying and dehumidifying agent and as a catalyst and a catalyst carrier. It's also found in cosmetics, as an anticaking agent.

Although Silica Gel is harmless to use, non-toxic and totally safe, the phrase "Do Not Eat" printed on the packet is for good reason. If consumed in large quantities, it could dry up the liquid every human needs internally, and ultimatly kill you. Therefore, I suggest to stay away from eating this material. Another reason is that some kinds of Silica Gel contain Cobalt Chloride, which is proven to cause cancer. Silica dust can cause Silicosis, and other serious respitory problems. Since Silica Gel absorbs and holds other substances, it's possible it absorbed something harmful that would make it unsafe to eat. Although most of these situations are highly unlikely, I would play it safe and not eat the Silica Gel. The main reason it says "Do Not Eat" on the package, is so the company doesn't get sued. (Ever noticed that hairdryers say "Do not use while asleep?")"

Here's the link if you'd like to check out the site for more facts

 

[Analog Saint]

Desiccant silica gel beads are a very porous silica/alumina mixture- it's inert, and nontoxic. It's virtually insoluble in water, so as long as nothing ingests the packet, I wouldn't worry at all.

If you want, there's also an MSDS for it.

 

[Max]

You might have a minor diatom bloom ,"if they grow in fresh water." Other than that no problems

 

[pl*co]

Thanks everybody. I had a water change coming up anyway, so I did a 50 instead of a 25. All seems well. Thank you all for the good feedback. I feel much better! If it's not harmful, other than sucking up all the fluid in your body, why does it smell so bad!! ugh!

Kamla, the fish in my avatar is a psychedeloplec.

Analog Saint, thanks for finding the MSDS. Inert is a good word.

Blinky, I will be sure not to ingest the stuff while I'm sleeping and drying my hair. Seriously, thank you for taking the time to look up the info. The link was very informative.. and kind of neat, as far as drying flowers.

Maxilaria, thanks for the tidbit. I'd take a diatom bloom over dead fish any day !

whew!!! Thanks again!

 

[pjfish]

You might have a minor diatom bloom ,"if they grow in fresh water." Other than that no problems

I assure you they grow in fresh water.

 

[pl*co]

H! Turns out the smell of the gel pack was from the container it was in. I had no idea bloodworms smell so bad! ewww.

 

[Soulcoffr]

If I remember correctly, silica gel is the only dessicant that is approved for use with food products. So it's safe, just don't eat it for the reasons described above...