Porcupine Puffer ate my glass Floating Thermometer!!!

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by Marlin65

You should really be running a controller on your heaters or chiller (If you run one.) Heaters are know to fault out and stick in the heat position a controller will give you the correct temp and will prevent you from over heating. I am sure there are a few of us that have killed off our tanks because of a faulty heater. No need for a glass thermometer that way.

Very good point! Now that you mention it I did have this happen a few years back (caught it on time though) I'm looking to buy a controller. Any suggestions on one?

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by manaf

hey dont worry!! mine broke in my tank too but the red stuff was still in the glass and didnt leak but the balls went everywhere and my tank is totally fine its been a month now and no problems!

PHEW! Good to know. Glad to hear your tank suffered no ill effects as to todays date.

I'm glad Stewie (a.k.a Griffie) spit out the end of the red stick and ball, located in the glass that displayed the temp. Hmm... I don't think the red stuff can leak out, since I know my puffer broke it. I was right there and never seen red leak out. Hmm... now I wonder what the red tube is made of and if it leaks too? *scratching my head now* Never thought I would be researching every piece of a thermometer to see what its made of, after all these years of using one.

[Funky_Fish14]

Oh I was going to add:

Dont kill yourself over it, but, I would probably try to get as much of the lead balls out as you can. After all, it IS lead, lol. But definetly dont suck up all your sand over it.

Better safe than sorry though, I think?

Cheers,

Chris

[TrailFish]

I believe that the red "stuff" is just coloured alcohol commonly used in thermometers (no problem with such a small amount). The beads as everyone has said are lead shot. The lead shouldn't be a problem at the pH of your tank (i.e. won't leach over time). (If your pH dips low enough to cause leaching you have bigger problems to worrry about ). My biggest concern would be the fish ingesting glass and if its still ok then the worst has past. Have you posted of picture of this monster fish?