Thermometer broke into fish tank

[tcampbell]

While cleaning teh tank and changing the water the tip of the thermometer broke and the red liquid(Mercury?) went into the tank. Now there is a gas smell. Changed 90% of the water. Filled the thank, then changed another 75% of the water.

Any other suggestions. Just happened 10 minutes ago (50 Gallon tank)

Will all the fish be dead by the end of the day of mercury posioning?

Thomas

[Simon]

Mercury is silver not red, you probably got some spirit in your tank, I suggest doing a water change

[tcampbell]

Ok. Changed 90% of water. refilled and now in the process of changing another 50% again. Just to make it all clear! Hopefully this is enough
The smell was terrible strong, like at the gas station.

Thomas

[blim]

It could be alcohol just colored red. Either mecury or alcohol is used in thermometer, from my high school day physics.

[benny]

Definitely not mercury. Your fishes will die from mercury poisoning. The red liquid is alcohol and over a large body of water, the effect is minimal. With the water change, there shouldn't be any problem.

However, the horrible smell is a concern. It's not usual and best to check.

Cheers,

[XnSdVd]

It'll evaporate over time. Relax. At worst your fish will get drunk.

[tonylai]

Yes. Red color is alcohol thermometer. Just alcohol coloured red. Mercury will be silver colour. That's why you smell the strong smell. Mercury will have no smell. Anyway they evaporate fast that's why you smell the smell. From the amount of water you change, whatever is left should not be a concern. What you should be concerned is any nitrate spike or shock to the fishes with so much water change as PH, Temperature etc will changed alot from your normal tank water. Add more anti-clorine / anti-stress solution and good bacteria if you have.

[valice]

Thomas, don't worry... I have broken a couple of the alcohol thermometers in my tanks... Fishes are still kicking... Your 90% water change is drastic enough... So not a problem... Only worry for the sudden change in water conditions...

[mad_scientist]

any updates on the situation?

[tcampbell]

No problems caused by the red liquid. I believe the massive water change took care of that, however I think the water change was a little too much for the Rummy noses in the tank, I lost 6 of them and the others were a little stressed. Other fish no problem at all, even the shrimp survived!
Asked the guys at the LFS and they have no idea what is in it, and why the gas smell.
Plants seemed to love the water change through and new leaves popping out everywhere!
I think I will stick with one of those internal digital therometers for now on!!

Thomas