Detoxifying contaminant

[davidcalgary29]

I had a tank crash this morning after contaminant -- which I believe to be some aerosolized bleach compound sprayed around by the kids -- got into my IM40. I immediately did a massive water change, ran carbon in a reactor, etc., and left the two survivors in the tank. They were fine throughout the day, but then I noticed after lights out that both fish were breathing heavily at the surface. The orchid dottyback in the Evo next to the IM40 was lying on the substrate, also breathing heavily. I dumped all three fish into my RSR350, and breathing problems rectified immediately. I'm going to guess that the contaminant got into my freshly mixed saltwater -- although I keep that container closed at all times -- as I did a substantial water change earlier today in the Evo, and yesterday on the IM40.

Water is being made with a new SpectraPure RO/DI system (two weeks in use), and no previous water changes caused any distress. Clearly, something in the contaminant is causing dissolved O2 to plummet at night. Question: best suggestions to detox the water container (a wheeled garbage can)? Soap and water? Just make new water and use lots of Prime? Let the container air dry?

 

[Chrisv.]

Cleaning can be achieved a bunch of different ways and it really comes down to exactly what the contaminant is. Most things could probably be simply rinsed out if you rinse excessively. I would probably just use tap water to rinse like crazy, then you could dry with paper towels to remove any tap water, and you could rinse with RODI if you're feeling particularly type a.

 

[Reefahholic]

I had a tank crash this morning after contaminant -- which I believe to be some aerosolized bleach compound sprayed around by the kids -- got into my IM40. I immediately did a massive water change, ran carbon in a reactor, etc., and left the two survivors in the tank. They were fine throughout the day, but then I noticed after lights out that both fish were breathing heavily at the surface. The orchid dottyback in the Evo next to the IM40 was lying on the substrate, also breathing heavily. I dumped all three fish into my RSR350, and breathing problems rectified immediately. I'm going to guess that the contaminant got into my freshly mixed saltwater -- although I keep that container closed at all times -- as I did a substantial water change earlier today in the Evo, and yesterday on the IM40.

Water is being made with a new SpectraPure RO/DI system (two weeks in use), and no previous water changes caused any distress. Clearly, something in the contaminant is causing dissolved O2 to plummet at night. Question: best suggestions to detox the water container (a wheeled garbage can)? Soap and water? Just make new water and use lots of Prime? Let the container air dry?

I’d personally take your reservoirs and empty them. Then fill them up to the top with tap and vinegar. Put a pump in there and let it run for a day or so. Then rinse them out well and make new water.

You might want to go grab a couple new brute’s at Lowe’s if you need water asap while you’re cleaning the others.

Do a 100% water change on the tank and keep the carbon going. I’d run some Purigen too. Also… look into Brightwell Purit. It’s apparently better than regular carbon.

 

[davidcalgary29]

You might want to go grab a couple new brute’s at Lowe’s if you need water asap while you’re cleaning the others.

Do a 100% water change on the tank and keep the carbon going. I’d run some Purigen too. Also… look into Brightwell Purit. It’s apparently better than regular carbon.

I'll probably do something like this, as I need to get rid of my fresh RODI water as well, as it has some type of slick sheen on the surface. Aside from going to Lowe's (or Home Depot), which would be a 10-hour trip at -40C to Edmonton today. Small town Canada = Canadian Tire.

Both affected tanks were running purigen.

 

[Reefahholic]

I'll probably do something like this, as I need to get rid of my fresh RODI water as well, as it has some type of slick sheen on the surface. Aside from going to Lowe's (or Home Depot), which would be a 10-hour trip at -40C to Edmonton today. Small town Canada = Canadian Tire.

Both affected tanks were running purigen.

I’m surprised the purigen didn’t help much.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I spent the day making new water...and rinsing out the old containers. I vow to let nothing touch the tanks this year except phyto and new water.Ugh.