Well, while I was cleaning my 10g aquarium, my Top Fin Floating Thermometer slipped out of my hand and broke on my tile floor. I do not have the packaging anymore, and I need to know if this particular thermometer contains mercury, and if I need to act right away or just disregard the situation in general. I tried looking online, but I can't find anything specific that states that it does, but as it is a thermometer, I don't want to take any chances. If anyone knows if it does, I'd truly appreciate it if you could tell me asap. Thanks
Broken Aquarium Thermometer - need more info
- Thread starter SonyKidna
- Start date
Hi I found this qoute in the forums. Hope this helps!!!
There are two types of thermometers (at least the last time I checked... It's been awhile), alcohol and mercury. Mercury thermometers are the original, and still the best for most applications. They are more sensitive than the alcohol models, but are extremely toxic. Now is when you take a deep breath, because you have the alcohol model. In a mercury thermometer, the liquid inside is silver. Alcohol models are dyed either red or blue. So, you just released alcohol in a VERY tiny dose into your tank. Do a water change and remove all of the pieces of glass, and your fish should still love you.
There are two types of thermometers (at least the last time I checked... It's been awhile), alcohol and mercury. Mercury thermometers are the original, and still the best for most applications. They are more sensitive than the alcohol models, but are extremely toxic. Now is when you take a deep breath, because you have the alcohol model. In a mercury thermometer, the liquid inside is silver. Alcohol models are dyed either red or blue. So, you just released alcohol in a VERY tiny dose into your tank. Do a water change and remove all of the pieces of glass, and your fish should still love you.
This happened in my new tank and the red alcohol stained my silicone on the seal. I'm not worried about the stain, but the alcohol shouldn't damage the seal, right?
It shouldn't, the only way to remove a silicone seal is commercial agents, or a deadly mixture of some other stuff I can't pronounce, or spell for that matter.
I've had one of these (somehow) shatter in my aquarium. I just removed the broken glass and all was fine. I don't think you have to worry 
Cool! because I JUST brought the tank home last night and I was going to be really disappointed if I couldn't use it and it was my fault.
*jumping for joy*:nilly:
*jumping for joy*:nilly: