Thermometer

[frederick04]

I just had my thermometer break in the tank. It was the small cheap glass tube type with small silver balls in the bottom that came with the original setup. Someone please tell me they do'nt use mercury in these things anymore! Thanks in advance.

 

[gonefishin]

I can't confirm or deny, but I know mucury looks like a "small silver ball". I also know it will break up into microscopic pieces under force.

 

[Paccula]

I think I read a similar post like this a while ago. don't know if I found it exactly but this may help

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8912&highlight=thermometer+break

 

[Hebdizzle]

it's an alcohol based thermometer... Your fish will be fine, just do the best you can to get the metal balls out because any metal isn't advised in fish tanks. Do a water change if it makes you feel better too.

 

[JSchmidt]

Those little balls are lead or some other heavy metal designed to make the business end of the thermometer heavier. I'd remove them, if it were my tank.

Jim

 

[Darkblade48]

I'd recommend you take out the metal ball (weight) and also do a partial water change just in case some of the dyed alcohol got into the water column

 

[Harlock]

How bad is alcohol in the tank in minute amounts? Party poopers, let the fish swim drunk a while!

I've always been afraid to use that type of thermometer for this very reason. Those little stick ons are smoetimes not too accurate either. I like the probe thermometers myself, but they can sometimes be a bit pricey. Good luck with the fish, I think they'll be fine, just get out the balls and do that partial water change.

 

[frederick04]

Thanks all! I will remove what I can with the gravel vac. :dance