Cracked thermometer

[CJBuckeyes]

I just reached into my mixing container to check temp right before doing a water change and noticed the thermometer wasn't floating. I let out a few curse words thinking I had just absorbed a bunch of mercury, and fished it out. Luckily the mercury tube was still intact, but the lead shot in the bottom of the thermometer was contacting the water. I ditched the water and rinsed everything thoroughly, but am curious if that's enough? Should I clean with something more aggressive? Toss the container?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If it is a fluid any color other than silver, it is not mercury but alcohol in the tube.

The lead is another issue, but I wouldn't worry about it too much unless the lead shot was loose in the water. If water just entered the tube, the contact was likely small.

 

[CJBuckeyes]

Thanks Randy!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.