broken flourescent bulb over tank...

[kewlkatdady]

Buddy of mine dropped his light fixture on top of his tank...

buld broke and I'm sure some the phospharus or what ever the power inside the bulb got into his tank....

He did about a 50% water change yesterday and the fish seem to be gasping more than normal.


What to do?

I told him water changes and cross your fingers...

It a 105g with 5-6 africans.

Thoughts?

[wvgdiscus]

Re: broken flourescent bulb over tank...

1st of all what side of town is he on.
If he has a spare tank move then as soon as possible.
I would suggest to do a 100% water change.

[kewlkatdady]

Re: broken flourescent bulb over tank...

he's in dallas by me...

those only "spare" tank he has would by my 125...

which is full of fish...

would carbon help?

[Zulaab]

Re: broken flourescent bulb over tank...

There are heavy metals in the bulb... get the fish out of the tank ASAP into clean water..  All flour resent lights have mercury in them.  The fish are right now being poisoned by these metals.  If he does not move them quick or clear out the water asap they will in short term absorb the mercury and the fish will die a painful death.  If they start showing poisoning traits I would generally tell you that putting them out of their pain as quick as possible.

Read your second message - move the fish into your tank, until he can clean his own tank.   The fish cannot give the poison to others unless they eat them, ie make sure that they dont eat the fish.

[kewlkatdady]

Re: broken flourescent bulb over tank...

they have been in the tank for over 24 hours at this point...

I don't think much of the "powder" got into the tank...

We will watch them and if they show signs of being poisoned...

we will freeze them.   :(

[bra8ndy8]

Re: broken flourescent bulb over tank...

I would do more water changes....even down till they are on their sides...and try to get as much poison  out!