Emergency preparedness in case of toxic
- Thread starter KO Lo
- Start date
Yes, water changes. Probably 20-30% daily. Also, an activated carbon filter will remove most toxins, including some heavy metals. (I don't use carbon all the time because I have plants, but I keep it on hand exactly for this emergency situation) If you are sure the problem is due to heavy metal, you can also use a tap water conditioner that says it will detoxify those.
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that plants will absorb toxins. I don't use carbon with them (probably same reason as you) because the carbon will absorb some of the metals they need as nutrients. But I have been told on this forum that plants can act like a filter and keep your tank in cleaner condition. I assume it's because they "eat" ammonia and nitrate as food. I don't think they can actually remove toxins/poisons. If you have specific concerns, maybe you should post a threat in the Aquatic Plants section. People there are pretty knowlegeable.
In case of toxins, I would just stick in an activated carbon filter to remove most of them. Long-term, it will probably deprive your plants. But short-term, it's probably more important to get rid of whatever's harming your tank. I guess I would leave it in for a day or two, then dose for plant nutrients immediately after removing the chemical filter. Of course do water changes in conjunction with that, to remove the source of the problem.
This is what I do after routine water changes. I use carbon for a couple hours, just in case I had anything toxic on my arms (sunscreen, etc.) or in case the decorations got ahold of some soap or chemicals while in my sink. Of course, I wash my hands and sink beforehand, but just in case. After I take out the carbon, I dose my plants.
In case of toxins, I would just stick in an activated carbon filter to remove most of them. Long-term, it will probably deprive your plants. But short-term, it's probably more important to get rid of whatever's harming your tank. I guess I would leave it in for a day or two, then dose for plant nutrients immediately after removing the chemical filter. Of course do water changes in conjunction with that, to remove the source of the problem.
This is what I do after routine water changes. I use carbon for a couple hours, just in case I had anything toxic on my arms (sunscreen, etc.) or in case the decorations got ahold of some soap or chemicals while in my sink. Of course, I wash my hands and sink beforehand, but just in case. After I take out the carbon, I dose my plants.
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You could do a 100% water change if you wanted and it shouldn't affect the tank negatively. The bacteria lives in the gravel and the filter, not the water. I have never done a full 100% change with fish in the tank (only after cycling), but I have done a 75% change with no negative effect.
Note: its not a true 100% change, leave enough water to keep the gravel thoroughly moist or you will kill the bacteria.
Note: its not a true 100% change, leave enough water to keep the gravel thoroughly moist or you will kill the bacteria.
wrong. best thing to do in the case of toxins in the water is change 90 percent of it immediately.
Yep, twice or more, if you have to.liv2padl said:
Fish on a good regular maintenance program of 50% water changes a week won't even bat an eye.
Roan