Fumes near tank

[havefun]

This may be an odd question. I'm soon going to be setting up a 75 gal tank (just arrived at the LFS today). It is going to be located in our basement which is mostly finished, however I am still working on a couple of rooms. I have quite a bit of varnishing left to do. If I varnish in the basement will those fumes be bad for the water? What if I do all the varnishing while the tank is cycling, will the water be safe to add fish to after the cycle is complete?

 

[tripper]

To be honest, I would wait until you have finished the majority of the varnishing before setting up the tank. There is a chance that if you just had water in it and no inhabitants, you could use carbon after the fumes were gone and that could pull out the toxins, but I personally wouldn't risk it.

 

[RLG2182]

Patience, Patience, Patience. If you can stand to wait, I would advise it. Most warning lables on paint and varnish will have you guard against breathing in the vapors, as it will cause health problems. If it can/will affect you, and therefore has to be warned against, chances are they will affect your fish as well. Better safe than sorry, IMO.

 

[havefun]

Thanks, thats what I figured. Instead of waiting though I'll just have to varnish someplace else - maybe the garage.

 

[Bearfan]

I agree.