How do I protect my tank during Bed Bug Treatment

[RussC]

We just found bed bugs in a bedroom! After talking to the pros, there will be a significant amount of chemicals used to kill these guys and they are going to treat the entire house. We have to "move out" for a day. How do I protect my tank?

 

[jd371]

My sister had it done but they didn't use chemicals, I believe they used some type of heat pump or fan to raise the temp in each room to kill the bugs. I would think in your case the best thing to do is cover the tank when the chemical is being used.

 

[Bryknicks]

One issue to consider that may be overlooked is shutting down the skimmer (if you run one) during the treatment. Don't want any aerosolized chemicals being drawn in that way. If moving the tank out of the house is not an option (in my opinion this would be the way to go) I would make sure the display and sump are completely sealed to not allow any air and chemicals to interact with the tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Cover well with plastic then place a blanket over it . Do allow any exhaust of fans to breathe

 

[RussC]

One thing I have going for me is my skimmer air intake is from outside. It runs to my attic and to the exterior of the house. So the tank can still "breath in" while its sealed. Just how long can a tank be "sealed?" That gas has got to go somewhere. Man, this is gonna be such an overwhelming task and moving things out.

 

[JoshH]

@sfin52 any thoughts here....

 

[92Miata]

One thing I have going for me is my skimmer air intake is from outside. It runs to my attic and to the exterior of the house. So the tank can still "breath in" while its sealed. Just how long can a tank be "sealed?" That gas has got to go somewhere. Man, this is gonna be such an overwhelming task and moving things out.

This might get you a bit of a positive pressure effect if you sealed the tank/sump - which is probably best case.

 

[sfin52]

We just found bed bugs in a bedroom! After talking to the pros, there will be a significant amount of chemicals used to kill these guys and they are going to treat the entire house. We have to "move out" for a day. How do I protect my tank?

Thanks @JoshH
Wrap in plastic turn of skimmer unless it's to the outside. Wrap the sump and the stand. I would also tape the plastic down. Run heavy carbon for a few days.
There should be some dust insecticide but mostly liquid for bed bugs. Very little aerosols being used.
I would cut the lights for the 24hrs. It shouldn't be more than 4hrs

Make sure they arnt using heat. The temps will get to 130. With some surface temps higher than that. It will cook the tank and possibly melt seals.

Have this conversation with the branch manager.
I'm sorry your dealing with bed bugs.
I'll pm you my number if you have any question. I work for a pest control company.

 

[JoshH]

Thanks @JoshH
Wrap in plastic turn of skimmer unless it's to the outside. Wrap the sump and the stand. I would also tape the plastic down. Run heavy carbon for a few days.
There should be some dust insecticide but mostly liquid for bed bugs. Very little aerosols being used.
I would cut the lights for the 24hrs. It shouldn't be more than 4hrs

Make sure they arnt using heat. The temps will get to 130. With some surface temps higher than that. It will cook the tank and possibly melt seals.

Have this conversation with the branch manager.
I'm sorry your dealing with bed bugs.
I'll pm you my number if you have any question. I work for a pest control company.

Just getting those in need with the experts, thanks for chiming in

Would it be worth it to run some kind of airline from a window to the tank itself if its being sealed up? Maybe even something as simple as an air pump and a 1/4" line just to keep a good flow of oxygen to the tank?

 

[old salt reefer]

Sounds like a very good idea.

 

[sfin52]

Just getting those in need with the experts, thanks for chiming in

Would it be worth it to run some kind of airline from a window to the tank itself if its being sealed up? Maybe even something as simple as an air pump and a 1/4" line just to keep a good flow of oxygen to the tank?

I believe @RussC Has his skimmer going to the attic. I would put an exhaust to the exterior as well. To help with airflow.

 

[RussC]

Guys, this has given me a lot of good info to move forward. feeling a bit better at this point and believe I have enough good feedback to formulate a strategy. Funny how my mind went straight to protecting my tank! dang the torpedos with the family...lol. The heat question is a good one. They didn't mention any, but I'll be sure to ask. One thing they did say after realizing my sincere worry for the tank is they can avoid the tank area. I will definitely insist on that part.

 

[RussC]

I just wanted to follow up with folks since you guys helped. It’s the day after D Day for the bedbugs treatment. Had my tank sealed tight with painters plastic and tape. Does not appear to have any ill effects. It was very tight, though. The temperature incline was steady throughout the day. I normally run at 78. It made it to 81.2 before I was able to remove the plastic even with the house at 70 on the AC. I don’t like obvious “quick” change so I was a little on edge. I waited 4 hours like the exterminator said, Entered the house then seriously aired out my house for 30 minutes before removing the plastic. A LOT of condensation under that plastic! But it worked. Opened up my cabinet doors, put a couple fans on the tank and things returned rather quickly to normal operating temps. Been running a full canister of fresh carbon just in case. Today will tell how the corals are doing. I’m feeling pretty good about everything.

I wanted to document this in the thread for my sanity and to help others just in case they come across this same scenario. It seems to have worked. Also, want to thank you guys for your help and guidance.

 

[sfin52]

I just wanted to follow up with folks since you guys helped. It’s the day after D Day for the bedbugs treatment. Had my tank sealed tight with painters plastic and tape. Does not appear to have any ill effects. It was very tight, though. The temperature incline was steady throughout the day. I normally run at 78. It made it to 81.2 before I was able to remove the plastic even with the house at 70 on the AC. I don’t like obvious “quick” change so I was a little on edge. I waited 4 hours like the exterminator said, Entered the house then seriously aired out my house for 30 minutes before removing the plastic. A LOT of condensation under that plastic! But it worked. Opened up my cabinet doors, put a couple fans on the tank and things returned rather quickly to normal operating temps. Been running a full canister of fresh carbon just in case. Today will tell how the corals are doing. I’m feeling pretty good about everything.

I wanted to document this in the thread for my sanity and to help others just in case they come across this same scenario. It seems to have worked. Also, want to thank you guys for your help and guidance.

That's awesome.