Thermometer broke in sump... problems?

[ousnakebyte]

Most thermometers are alcohol-based these days, not mercury, right?

Well, the reason I ask is b/c I just broke my thermometer, which shattered into my sump and released several silver beads. It was a standard aquarium thermometer that I bought at Petsmart, Petco, wherever...? If I remember chemistry class correctly (a BIG if...), mercury is liquid at room temperature, right?

Anyway, the red liquid inside did NOT release into the sump, just the tiny silver beads that insulate (maybe?) the red liquid casing. I cleaned out most of the glass (less concerned) and most of the silver beads (more concerned), but I probably did not get them all.

If it is indeed not mercury, is it something to be concerned about? Maybe rusting in the sump? Should I try to syphon anything out...? I fear I may never find them ALL...?

It is similar to the one found in the link below:

Petsmart heater (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441779610&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302031321&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1088478346908)

Thoughts?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There would likely be no mercury in a red liquid thermometer (it is a silver liquid, you remembered right :D ), but the solid beads may well be lead, and should be removed, if possible.

[Boomer]

If the one in the link is yours, yes then it is alcohol> it is a red liquid. The beads are either lead or steel shot. If steel, try a magnet on them (remove them with the magnet). If not magnetic, then they are lead.

[jdieck]

The beads are magnetic (I tried on mine) so if you use your cleaning magnet you shall be able to get most of them out.

By the way. The red alcohol is actualy ethylene glycol (same stuf as antyfreeze) sometimes used ilegally as a wine additive to provide "bouque" so by now you might have a 1993 vintage aquarium :lol:
Just run some carbon just in case.

[hxn]

I just broke mine too, the bottom part. I magnetized the beads out. Should i be doing anything else???

[jdieck]

I would run some activated carbon just in case although your skimmer shall be able to remove any traces of the red stuff that may have gone into the water.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The red dye might be skimmable or removable with carbon, but I doubt that much ethylene glycol will come out either way. It is very hydrophilic. I also wouldn't worry about because bacteria will eat it. :)

[jdieck]

Learning something new every day.....

Thanks Randy

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumbsup:

[ousnakebyte]

Ahhh... thanks everyone. Panic attack over. Sounds like I (or my system) will be fine. I'll swear I had nightmares last night, hearing my fish and corals scream for help!!! Sometimes.... I still hear the screams... :eek: :rollface:

Thanks again!!!

Cheers
Mike

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Sometimes.... I still hear the screams...

I think you need Psychology Central to deal with that issue. :lol:

You're welcome and good luck. :)