Toxicity fromcracked thermometer?

Rickyrooz · Jul 14, 2015

I recently discovered the floating glass thermometer in the return section of my sump was no longer reading the temperature. Upon closer inspection the bottom part of the thermometer was cracked and no longer had the metal balls inside. Some of the red liquid possibly leaked out as well. I am assuming it was sucked up by my return pump but I could not find the metal balls anywhere in my display, I was able to find one in my return section by using a magnet. I believe the thermometer cracked when the water level dropped in my return section causing the thermometer to touch the intake of the pump and possibly crack the glass thermometer. My question is what are the metal balls made of and are they harmful to fish and coral? I believe the red liquid is a red dyed alcohol liquid.

Original

Broken

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 14, 2015

Yes, the red liquid is alcohol and is no concern. The metal may be more of a concern, but if you cannot find them (perhaps with a magnet) then I wouldn't do anything unless the tank appears to suffer in the future.