Possible copper poisoning

[mrg02d]

Hello,
I had a mishap today/last night. My battery powered thermometer fell into the tank and corroded over night. It looks like the nastiest stuff stayed inside, but there was a brown residue (copper I fear) on the outside of the thermometer which I found floating in the tank.

Am I doomed? Nothing shows any signs of distress yet. I did a water change, and am about to go get some Cuprisorb. Will this help? Is it all over? I cant believe this has happened! I must have knocked it in somehow and had no idea.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[AMDPhenomX4]

It should be fine. That would be iron Oxide most likely, rust. Run some carbon and a polyfilter if you have them and do a few water changes. If you want you can run the cuprisorb, but in a few hours not much if any would get in the water.

 

[mrg02d]

Thanks for the reply. I am running Cuprisorb and carbon right now in my fluval 305. What I am worried about is the copper traces on the circuit board inside the poorly sealed thermometer housing. How soon could I tell if any damage was going to occur? I know ordering a copper test would be best, but in the meantime, how might I know if things are going to be okay?

Thanks for the quick reply!
Matt

 

[AMDPhenomX4]

Well how big is the aquarium? Although i doubt they would leach without a good amount of voltage going through it. In my electrolosys experiment, you need vinegar and high voltage to dissolve it.

 

[Innovator]

Since you're already running media chemically I would also perform a 50% water change and continue to monitor conditions.

 

[roka64]

...and get a copper test...

 

[mrg02d]

Thanks for all the good advice! I am ordering a copper test. As of today, still no apparent damage to anything in the tank except for the wrasse acting like a jerk out of nowhere.

I am hoping that all is fine. That thermometer was badly oxidized! Oozing all sorts of grossness! And likely was in there all night long.

Matt