broken thermometer in the tank

[rng_pw]

Some how my glass thermometer broke inside my sump. I have little metal balls all over the bottom of my sump but I'm more concerned about the mercury. How bad will this be? Thanks

Ricky

 

[Elysium]

I don't believe that modern consumer and aquarium thermometers contain mercury any more. More than likely it contained a dyed alcohol or mineral oil solution.

 

[fragmatic]

However, I hope I am wrong, but I'm afraid those little metal balls are lead shots. At least I know they used to be. I hope you already removed them from your water, just in case I'm right.

 

[rng_pw]

I was able to get the balls out fairly quickly with a magnet. I'm pretty sure I was able to get them all because it seemed like they were all piled together. I have to take my return pump off. I think the thermostat might be together and stuck in my plumbing because I can't shut my ball valve. I checked the temp yesterday so it's only been broke for about 24 hours or so.

 

[rng_pw]

All is Ok. The thermometer was intact. Thanks.

Ricky,

 

[fragmatic]

I was able to get the balls out fairly quickly with a magnet. I'm pretty sure I was able to get them all because it seemed like they were all piled together. I have to take my return pump off. I think the thermostat might be together and stuck in my plumbing because I can't shut my ball valve. I checked the temp yesterday so it's only been broke for about 24 hours or so.

Wonderful news, if you got any with a magnet they were not lead, and if you got any under water with a magnet then you most likely got them all. Under water, steel balls would really like magnets!