Nitrate poisoning and I'm desperate to save my fish!!!! Please help...

[Libby1]

Okay. I think I'm panicking. I'll tell you why.
First, yes, my main tank is in the same room. But here's what happened like 2 weeks ago and I am praying this has nothing to do with the bump....!!!! I'm nauseous. Please be gentle, I'm scared as it is....

We had an exterminator for mice since NYC is infected. For some odd reason the absolute moron decided to spray easy-off on the corners of the room to get any potential live mice to go to the basement where he put poison. Shortly after he sprayed the room i realized what happened and freaked out -- I covered the tank in plastic but did not know about the air bubbles. My filter is inside the tank so im guessing that wouldn't be a problem. But yeah the air bubbles. I did a water change a bit later and aired out the room, etc and none of the spray entered the tank, and he acted fine all along --- but could that be causing a problem now???? I hope not!!!!! Omg please I'm freaking out - Can I do something if yes???? Can i put him into my large tank so he gets better???? I'm freaking out Omg. Maybe i shouldn't. I dont know. My silver dollars seem fine. And their pump is right next to the little tank's. And I do more water changes on the little tank. But it's a lot less water volume to begin with. Ughhh!!

And to move his tank for the painting is also a big and difficult job -- is there an alternative -- i don't know what to do ugghhhhh!!! And now he's hanging out in the corner although he's done that in the past. I dont know. He ate today regularly. I'm freaking outttt!! I hope for nothing! Remember when I freaked out that he's sick and really he was just scared and you were the one to recognize it.... I really hope I'm freaking out for nothing omg.

Also, is there a specific paint i should tell them to use or not use...?

 

[Andy Sager]

Okay. I think I'm panicking. I'll tell you why.
First, yes, my main tank is in the same room. But here's what happened like 2 weeks ago and I am praying this has nothing to do with the bump....!!!! I'm nauseous. Please be gentle, I'm scared as it is....

We had an exterminator for mice since NYC is infected. For some odd reason the absolute moron decided to spray easy-off on the corners of the room to get any potential live mice to go to the basement where he put poison. Shortly after he sprayed the room i realized what happened and freaked out -- I covered the tank in plastic but did not know about the air bubbles. My filter is inside the tank so im guessing that wouldn't be a problem. But yeah the air bubbles. I did a water change a bit later and aired out the room, etc and none of the spray entered the tank, and he acted fine all along --- but could that be causing a problem now???? I hope not!!!!! Omg please I'm freaking out - Can I do something if yes???? Can i put him into my large tank so he gets better???? I'm freaking out Omg. Maybe i shouldn't. I dont know. My silver dollars seem fine. And their pump is right next to the little tank's. And I do more water changes on the little tank. But it's a lot less water volume to begin with. Ughhh!!

And to move his tank for the painting is also a big and difficult job -- is there an alternative -- i don't know what to do ugghhhhh!!! And now he's hanging out in the corner although he's done that in the past. I dont know. He ate today regularly. I'm freaking outttt!! I hope for nothing! Remember when I freaked out that he's sick and really he was just scared and you were the one to recognize it.... I really hope I'm freaking out for nothing omg.

Also, is there a specific paint i should tell them to use or not use...?

Okay, first thing is to STOP FREAKING OUT!!!!! Panic solves no problems. It only creates more problems. If the easy off was going to do anything, it would have killed the fish so that's not a problem.

Yes, moving tanks is not easy but as long as both tanks are in the same room that's going to be painted, you have multiple problems so moving them becomes obsolete but if you can move just the small tank, every little bit helps. If not, you are stuck going back to just keeping the tanks, filters and air pumps covered and turned off while the painter(s) is/are there. Don't be cheap with the drop cloth. Get one thick and big enough to cover the tanks completely. If necessary, get 1 for each tank. The only thing else you can do is keep your fingers crossed nothing goes wrong.
As for paint, have them use one that is water based and low VOC. Depending on what type of paint they use, there may be some lingering "aromas". If that's the case, you can get some activated carbon or charcoal from the pet store, place a nice 1/2"-1" layer of it in a box ( I've also made "boxes" with heavy grade aluminum foil ) and put the air pumps on top of it. This way the air coming in will be purified by the charcoal/carbon.

 

[Libby1]

Omg - okay phew!! First I can breathe. Lol!! Thank you for bearing with me and my craziness!! And for calming me down. And for not saying, "you're a complete lunatic and I dont have time to help lunatics" But in all seriousness, I'm relieved to know that the easy off doesnt concern you at this point. The fumes were extremely strong back then so i was really worried. (And burning mad at that stupid guy)

Okay so I have a question (or multiple)

1) by saying "drop cloths" are you saying i need to put cloths, not drop plastic? Because I believe there's both versions so I want to be sure.

2) I'm thinking I'll create the "air space" by placing a brown cardboard box upside-down on top of the tank and then drape the cloth or plastic over that. Makes sense? And if so, how strongly do I need to secure it around the tank...

3) How long after the painting is done may I turn on the filters and air pumps? And remove the coverings? I wouldn't trust my nose to say it doesnt smell anymore and it's safe to turn on.. But also just reminding you that the red fish is in such a small tank so I dont want him to be without air bubbles or filter for any longer than he needs to. Also, just verifying again, I should do all of this also when they prime, correct? They will put primer on Wednesday and paint on Thursday. I am SO not excited about this -- to say the least!! I know you feel me.

4) Based on the small filter i have in the small tank, how do I even add carbon... is it definitely necessary? Just to remind you, I'm attaching a photo of the filter I have in there, but upon your suggestion I removed the black sponge and instead I added filter media from my large tank's eheim filter to both parts of the filter and i left the white sponge on top. So I think it has a good bio-whatever-its-called...

5) My large tank has the eheim classic canister filter so it's fully closed; none of the filter media is exposed at all, and both tips of the pipes (suction and release) are dipped in the water. So does that eliminate the problem? Should I still shut that filter while they paint?

Thanks again for all your help!!!

 

[Andy Sager]

Omg - okay phew!! First I can breathe. Lol!! Thank you for bearing with me and my craziness!! And for calming me down. And for not saying, "you're a complete lunatic and I dont have time to help lunatics" But in all seriousness, I'm relieved to know that the easy off doesnt concern you at this point. The fumes were extremely strong back then so i was really worried. (And burning mad at that stupid guy)

Okay so I have a question (or multiple)

1) by saying "drop cloths" are you saying i need to put cloths, not drop plastic? Because I believe there's both versions so I want to be sure.

Even the plastic ones are referred to as" drop cloths". You want the plastic, not the cloth.

2) I'm thinking I'll create the "air space" by placing a brown cardboard box upside-down on top of the tank and then drape the cloth or plastic over that. Makes sense? And if so, how strongly do I need to secure it around the tank...

Bad move. What if the painter accidentally knocks the box off and uncovers the tank? Just get a drop cloth ( they come in a number of sizes) , open it up all the way, lay it across the tank ( make sure the light is off so it doesn't melt the plastic) so that the tank is fully covered and you are good to go.

3) How long after the painting is done may I turn on the filters and air pumps?

Unfortunately, even with low VOC paints, the smell can be there for a few days even tho it's supposedly safe to sleep in the room during that time. You will need to open the window(s) to air out the room for at least an hour or 2 before turning back on the filters and pumps.

And remove the coverings?

Not until after the room is aired out.

I wouldn't trust my nose to say it doesnt smell anymore and it's safe to turn on.. But also just reminding you that the red fish is in such a small tank so I dont want him to be without air bubbles or filter for any longer than he needs to.

Well, you've been warned how bad that was to do and now you see why it's a problem. If you rush things, you stand a better chance of killing the fish than being in the little tank.

Also, just verifying again, I should do all of this also when they prime, correct?

Yes, you will need to do this for the primer and again for the paint. (Or as the Herman's Hermits sang in the song Henry the 8th," Second verse, same as the first." )

They will put primer on Wednesday and paint on Thursday. I am SO not excited about this -- to say the least!! I know you feel me.

Yeah, it sucks it needs to be now.

4) Based on the small filter i have in the small tank, how do I even add carbon... is it definitely necessary?

The carbon is not for the filters. It's for your air pumps outside the tank. You are going to make a box for your air pumps to sit in and THAT is where you put the carbon and the air pumps on top of it. The air pump will pull the air through the carbon which should remove some of the odor from the paint before it blows it into the tank.

Just to remind you, I'm attaching a photo of the filter I have in there, but upon your suggestion I removed the black sponge and instead I added filter media from my large tank's eheim filter to both parts of the filter and i left the white sponge on top. So I think it has a good bio-whatever-its-called...

5) My large tank has the eheim classic canister filter so it's fully closed; none of the filter media is exposed at all, and both tips of the pipes (suction and release) are dipped in the water. So does that eliminate the problem? Should I still shut that filter while they paint?

It's safer to turn off the filter but if you have the eheim set up to not be making bubbles in the tank, that should be good enough to keep it running. If you turn it off, just remember to keep all the water in it to keep the biological bed alive in there.

Thanks again for all your help!!!

No problem. Good luck.

 

[Libby1]

Even the plastic ones are referred to as" drop cloths". You want the plastic, not the cloth.

Bad move. What if the painter accidentally knocks the box off and uncovers the tank? Just get a drop cloth ( they come in a number of sizes) , open it up all the way, lay it across the tank ( make sure the light is off so it doesn't melt the plastic) so that the tank is fully covered and you are good to go.

Oh -- but I thought it's not safe to cover the tank right on top of the opening because gases could gather or something like that...? Or is it okay? Oh actually i think I remember researching (when the easy-off thing happened) that up to 24 hours should be fine even if the tank is tightly covered in plastic. Is that accurate...? Also, what did you mean by creating a "tent" with the drop cloth... you meant just loosely drape it, but completely surround the tank with it? Just wanna to clarify.

Unfortunately, even with low VOC paints, the smell can be there for a few days even tho it's supposedly safe to sleep in the room during that time. You will need to open the window(s) to air out the room for at least an hour or 2 before turning back on the filters and pumps.

Alright. Unfortunately the window is right by the tank.. so what I'll probably do is open it a crack, but keep the front and back doors of the house open. They are doors to the street so although the door is not directly in that room, there will be crossed ventilation in the house and hallway next to the room and there's a wide opening to that hallway without a door. Sounds good, yes?

Well, you've been warned how bad that was to do and now you see why it's a problem. If you rush things, you stand a better chance of killing the fish than being in the little tank.

Sigh. Yeah. That's why I will just try to do all of this step by step. And based on what you're telling me to do. I'm just so worried about my parrot.

The carbon is not for the filters. It's for your air pumps outside the tank. You are going to make a box for your air pumps to sit in and THAT is where you put the carbon and the air pumps on top of it. The air pump will pull the air through the carbon which should remove some of the odor from the paint before it blows it into the tank.

Ohhhh, now I get it. Wait so can I technically use my carbon filter that I use for the eheim canister? It's a round black carbon sponge, probably half-inch thick or something like that.
And do I put it only if I suspect there's still a smell? Or should I put it either way.. ?

It's safer to turn off the filter but if you have the eheim set up to not be making bubbles in the tank, that should be good enough to keep it running. If you turn it off, just remember to keep all the water in it to keep the biological bed alive in there.

No problem. Good luck.

Amen!!! Thank you

 

[Andy Sager]

Oh -- but I thought it's not safe to cover the tank right on top of the opening because gases could gather or something like that...? Or is it okay? Oh actually i think I remember researching (when the easy-off thing happened) that up to 24 hours should be fine even if the tank is tightly covered in plastic. Is that accurate...? Also, what did you mean by creating a "tent" with the drop cloth... you meant just loosely drape it, but completely surround the tank with it? Just wanna to clarify.

It's only going to be for a few hours at a time so not an issue.

Alright. Unfortunately the window is right by the tank.. so what I'll probably do is open it a crack, but keep the front and back doors of the house open. They are doors to the street so although the door is not directly in that room, there will be crossed ventilation in the house and hallway next to the room and there's a wide opening to that hallway without a door. Sounds good, yes?

No, Better to open the window in the room and have a fan blow out the window if you don't have 2 windows in the room for cross ventilation.

Sigh. Yeah. That's why I will just try to do all of this step by step. And based on what you're telling me to do. I'm just so worried about my parrot.

Sorry but at this point, it's " Oh well" :^/

Ohhhh, now I get it. Wait so can I technically use my carbon filter that I use for the eheim canister?

No. Go get a box or container of carbon from the pet store. Not charcoal briquets from the supermarket, not carbon filled socks for your feet, not pieces of burnt wood from the fireplace. You want a canister of black carbon or charcoal from the pet store. If you are unsure when you get there, ask someone for Activated Charcoal or Carbon for your fish tank. It should look like this: or this: or this: or this: or ( get the point?) It should NOT look like this: or this: And considering you said you don't trust your nose to detect scents, use it anyway. There's no downside to using it under your air pumps.

It's a round black carbon sponge, probably half-inch thick or something like that.
And do I put it only if I suspect there's still a smell? Or should I put it either way.. ?

Amen!!! Thank you

 

[Libby1]

No, Better to open the window in the room and have a fan blow out the window if you don't have 2 windows in the room for cross ventilation.

Hmm... i need to buy a fan... and I could only fit a small one there.

Sorry but at this point, it's " Oh well" :^/

Noo... i still have hopes for my parrot..... :/

No. Go get a box or container of carbon from the pet store. Not charcoal briquets from the supermarket, not carbon filled socks for your feet,

Haha i didnt know there's such a thing as carbon filled socks for your feet

not pieces of burnt wood from the fireplace. You want a canister of black carbon or charcoal from the pet store. If you are unsure when you get there, ask someone for Activated Charcoal or Carbon for your fish tank. It should look like this: View attachment 393031 or this: View attachment 393032 or this: View attachment 393033 or this: View attachment 393034 or ( get the point?) It should NOT look like this: View attachment 393037or this: View attachment 393036 And considering you said you don't trust your nose to detect scents, use it anyway. There's no downside to using it under your air pumps.

Ohhhhh! I get it now. I ordered it on Amazon. It's Marineland company, called premium activated carbon. And describes the function I need it for. I never even realized these exist! Thanks for inserting those photos so I get the right visual. So how come Eheim has those felt-like round pads as carbon filters...?? Should I be putting some of this stuff into my filters? What does it actually do in terms of water quality when there isn't a fumes problem, just daily filtration?

 

[Andy Sager]

Hmm... i need to buy a fan... and I could only fit a small one there.

Whatever. You just want it to suck air out of the room and into the outdoors. It could be a floor fan set up at the window or one like this: for the window sill.

Noo... i still have hopes for my parrot..... :/

Sorry but it is what it is. Like all bad moves, you pay for it somewhere down the line.

Haha i didnt know there's such a thing as carbon filled socks for your feet

Yes they do. I have stinky feet so I know.

Ohhhhh! I get it now. I ordered it on Amazon. It's Marineland company, called premium activated carbon. And describes the function I need it for. I never even realized these exist! Thanks for inserting those photos so I get the right visual. So how come Eheim has those felt-like round pads as carbon filters...?? Should I be putting some of this stuff into my filters? What does it actually do in terms of water quality when there isn't a fumes problem, just daily filtration?

Those filter pads have a little bit of carbon infused into them so they do some good at removing things out of the water and need replacement often but you don't want something that takes some stuff out of the air. You want enough carbon to remove every possible molecule of odor out of the air. Don't be cheap with it. Make at least a 1/2"-1" thick bed of carbon for the airpump(s) to sit on top of. Most air pumps take air in from the bottom which is why you set the pump on top of the carbon bed. Some of the better pumps have a cotton filter disk to keep large particles out of the pump so you know where and what to look for. If you have one that gets air from the side or on top, bury the pump into the carbon bed. It's just like a water filter for the house. They are filled with carbon. Not a little carbon, A LOT of carbon. Carbon is like a sponge. As the holes in the carbon get filled with whatever it's removing, things will pass past the clogged holes. This is why you don't want to be cheap with it. Once all this with the painting is done, you can throw the carbon bed away. Don't try to reuse it.

 

[Libby1]

Whatever. You just want it to suck air out of the room and into the outdoors. It could be a floor fan set up at the window or one like this:View attachment 393040 for the window sill.

Okay I ordered one specifically designed to suck out the air. Hopefully it fits and works well.

Yes they do. I have stinky feet so I know.

Haha!! Well, I learned something new today (the existence of the socks, that is. )

Make at least a 1/2"-1" thick bed of carbon for the airpump(s) to sit on top of. Most air pumps take air in from the bottom which is why you set the pump on top of the carbon bed. Some of the better pumps have a cotton filter disk to keep large particles out of the pump so you know where and what to look for.

Okay so both my pumps are the tetra whisper pumps.. you know, the blue pumps that kind of stand on "legs" extending from its external body. How deeply would you say those need to be buried in the carbon, or rather, how thick a layer should be underneath it..?

 

[Andy Sager]

Okay I ordered one specifically designed to suck out the air. Hopefully it fits and works well.

Haha!! Well, I learned something new today (the existence of the socks, that is. )

Yeah, my parents were thankful when they found these socks because I had a habit of taking off my shoes when we would take long road trips.

Okay so both my pumps are the tetra whisper pumps.. you know, the blue pumps that kind of stand on "legs" extending from its external body. How deeply would you say those need to be buried in the carbon, or rather, how thick a layer should be underneath it..?

I believe those pumps have a filter pad underneath the body. Turn yours over and look for the white disk. If you don't have one, you should. If you don't have replacements, you can use cotton balls with no scents or filter floss. Just place the pumps so that the bottom of the pump is resting on the carbon instead of the legs. This is why I say you may need up to an inch depth of carbon. Make sure the box is bigger than the pump(s) so that it allows air to get pulled in through the sides and into the pump.

 

[Libby1]

Yeah, my parents were thankful when they found these socks because I had a habit of taking off my shoes when we would take long road trips.

Hahaha I can only imagine what those car rides smelled like.....

I believe those pumps have a filter pad underneath the body. Turn yours over and look for the white disk. If you don't have one, you should. If you don't have replacements, you can use cotton balls with no scents or filter floss. Just place the pumps so that the bottom of the pump is resting on the carbon instead of the legs. This is why I say you may need up to an inch depth of carbon. Make sure the box is bigger than the pump(s) so that it allows air to get pulled in through the sides and into the pump.

Okay so I'm attaching a photo of the back of my pump.. towards the top is what I think it is you're talking about. If that's indeed the sponge, does this mean that's where the air gets drawn in, and that is the part that needs to be fully on/in the carbon?

 

[Andy Sager]

Hahaha I can only imagine what those car rides smelled like.....

Oh the stories I could tell.

Okay so I'm attaching a photo of the back of my pump.. towards the top is what I think it is you're talking about. If that's indeed the sponge, does this mean that's where the air gets drawn in, and that is the part that needs to be fully on/in the carbon?

Yes, that white thing is a filter pad. That should be sitting on the carbon. Once you are fully done with the painting in the house, that filter pad should be changed because it will be clogged. They are available on amazon. Just look up "filter pad for Tetra Whisper pumps" ( That's how I saw them.) And yes, that's where the air comes in. This is usually the problem when the air pump slows down air production. It's because that filter is clogged.

 

[Libby1]

Oh the stories I could tell.

Please do tell!!

Yes, that white thing is a filter pad. That should be sitting on the carbon. Once you are fully done with the painting in the house, that filter pad should be changed because it will be clogged. They are available on amazon. Just look up "filter pad for Tetra Whisper pumps" ( That's how I saw them.) And yes, that's where the air comes in. This is usually the problem when the air pump slows down air production. It's because that filter is clogged.

Yikes, for some odd reason I can't find the filter pads. Also, how would I even change it.. do I have to unscrew it? I'm afraid to mess with these things especially now. And also, they are starting the job today, in about 2 hours, scraping off the old paint and putting primer, so I wouldn't even have the time to go out to buy it or anything. Can I maybe avoid using the carbon...? How long is it safe for the fish (Especially small tank) to go without the air pump if i just turn it on the latest possible and don't use the carbon...? it's scary, though. I don't want to risk harming them. So now I'm kinda stuck.. or am I..?

I wish I can at least place the small tank's pump outside the window... I need to check if the cable would allow it. Is that something that could help sufficiently? The thing is, it would be near the window so I dont know how much of the fumes would seep out, although it would mix with the fresh air outside. Also, it would be drawing in the very cold outside air. Would that be a problem in terms of the water temperature? Or it doesn't matter because it's the air bubbles? I will check to see if it's even possible for me to do it but first i'm also checking with you..

Okay. This is 5 minutes later but I'm leaving the above questions in, because everything is relevant. I'm realizing that my air pumps are also basically right by a window so I could technically open the window a crack and place the pumps outside. It's kind of gross outside, though, but could that be the ultimate solution?? It would be right near the window, though, so I'm not sure how I could avoid dust and smell from coming into the filters.. or maybe, if I place it on top of a box or something to give it a little bit of height, then it's not directly by the crack opening of the window, and it's also not touching the floor.. (it's a low window so basically meets the floor outside). But then the question remains if it's okay that it will draw the 'cold' outside air. And the good thing about this is that I could probably turn back on my filter and pumps way sooner than if I need to wait for the room to air out, correct? What would that timeline be?

Update:

It is now 11:05am NY time. I shut my filter and pumps at 10:40am. I'm terrified to have it off for too long in the small tank. Please- can you tell me the soonest I can plug it back in? Here are details:

Both pumps are outside the window. Basically right outside, maybe 4 inches away. I left the window open a crack, I hope that's okay. There's cold, outdoor air gently pouring into the room . I covered the tanks with plenty of drop cloth (thin plastic) till the bottom of the tank, not just on top. But it's not like shrink wrap. I tried to tie it as securely as I could and put some painter's tape to hold it down but do I have to freak out whether it's done well enough...? Okay, those are the details. They are doing plastering today, and paint tomorrow. He is plastering the room with the tanks now. Pleeease can you tell me the absolute soonest I can turn on my filter and air pumps, considering the air pumps are actually outside in the street, in the fresh air. Thank you so much.

 

[Andy Sager]

Please do tell!!

Yikes, for some odd reason I can't find the filter pads. Also, how would I even change it.. do I have to unscrew it?

No, the pads are just resting inside the holder. You just lift it out. If your fingernail isn't long enough to go underneath the pad, you can use a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife or anything else like that to get underneath the pad to lift it out.

I'm afraid to mess with these things especially now.

Now is not when you need to "mess" with this. Friday is when you need to mess with this if they paint the room on Thursday.

And also, they are starting the job today, in about 2 hours, scraping off the old paint and putting primer, so I wouldn't even have the time to go out to buy it or anything. Can I maybe avoid using the carbon...?

That's not a good idea if you want to keep the fish safe. Did you get the drop cloths?

How long is it safe for the fish (Especially small tank) to go without the air pump if i just turn it on the latest possible and don't use the carbon...? it's scary, though. I don't want to risk harming them. So now I'm kinda stuck.. or am I..?

Yes, you are stuck. You have a bad situation and you think there is an easy way out. I gave you the safest way out.

I wish I can at least place the small tank's pump outside the window... I need to check if the cable would allow it. Is that something that could help sufficiently?

Listen you are going to have paint fumes. Even if you put the pump outside the window, the fan will be blowing those fumes past the air pump which means the pump will be sucking in the fumes. Using the carbon will help avoid that. This is what I meant when I said it was an " Oh Well" situation. If you can't delay the painting, which you said you can't, you are going to have to compensate for the bad situation. Cold air and fish are a bad combination. If the tanks don't have heaters in them, it's probably going to get worse. The fish will most likely get sick.

The thing is, it would be near the window so I dont know how much of the fumes would seep out, although it would mix with the fresh air outside.

Being "by" a window does not ensure that the fresh air is coming in especially when you have a fan blowing the air out.

Also, it would be drawing in the very cold outside air. Would that be a problem in terms of the water temperature?

Yes.

Or it doesn't matter because it's the air bubbles? I will check to see if it's even possible for me to do it but first i'm also checking with you..

Okay. This is 5 minutes later but I'm leaving the above questions in, because everything is relevant. I'm realizing that my air pumps are also basically right by a window so I could technically open the window a crack and place the pumps outside. It's kind of gross outside, though, but could that be the ultimate solution?? It would be right near the window, though, so I'm not sure how I could avoid dust and smell from coming into the filters.. or maybe, if I place it on top of a box or something to give it a little bit of height, then it's not directly by the crack opening of the window, and it's also not touching the floor.. (it's a low window so basically meets the floor outside). But then the question remains if it's okay that it will draw the 'cold' outside air. And the good thing about this is that I could probably turn back on my filter and pumps way sooner than if I need to wait for the room to air out, correct? What would that timeline be?

As I tried to explain, there is no timeline in minutes on these kinds of things. You turn off the pumps when they are painting. You turn them back on when the room doesn't stink of paint fumes. That's the timeline. If the fish are having problems before the air clears, you have to protect the fish from the fumes. Carbon/Charcoal is one of the best ways of doing that. That means you have to have the remedies BEFORE you start the project. This is why buying online is not the answer unless you have time. That's why pet stores are still open. Yes, you may pay a few cents more at the store but that's not their fault.
There's no easy way when you do this kind of thing in winter in the Northern states. I know because I come from the Northern states. You can put lipstick on a pig but it doesn't make it not a pig. You have a pig situation. Hopefully you can keep a level head, do what has been suggested AS suggested and the fish do okay during the process. That's the best I can offer you. If you choose another way, whatever happens, happens.

Apparently, Amazon doesn't offer the replacement air filters for your pumps but they are offered at other sites. Use google or ask your local fish store. Make sure you have the pump model ( i.e. AP 100, AP300, AP150, etc. ) so you get the right filter for your pumps. They come in different sizes for the different size pumps.

 

[Libby1]

No, the pads are just resting inside the holder. You just lift it out. If your fingernail isn't long enough to go underneath the pad, you can use a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife or anything else like that to get underneath the pad to lift it out.

Now is not when you need to "mess" with this. Friday is when you need to mess with this if they paint the room on Thursday.

That's not a good idea if you want to keep the fish safe. Did you get the drop cloths?

Yes, you are stuck. You have a bad situation and you think there is an easy way out. I gave you the safest way out.

Listen you are going to have paint fumes. Even if you put the pump outside the window, the fan will be blowing those fumes past the air pump which means the pump will be sucking in the fumes. Using the carbon will help avoid that. This is what I meant when I said it was an " Oh Well" situation. If you can't delay the painting, which you said you can't, you are going to have to compensate for the bad situation. Cold air and fish are a bad combination. If the tanks don't have heaters in them, it's probably going to get worse. The fish will most likely get sick.

Being "by" a window does not ensure that the fresh air is coming in especially when you have a fan blowing the air out.

Yes.

As I tried to explain, there is no timeline in minutes on these kinds of things. You turn off the pumps when they are painting. You turn them back on when the room doesn't stink of paint fumes. That's the timeline. If the fish are having problems before the air clears, you have to protect the fish from the fumes. Carbon/Charcoal is one of the best ways of doing that. That means you have to have the remedies BEFORE you start the project. This is why buying online is not the answer unless you have time. That's why pet stores are still open. Yes, you may pay a few cents more at the store but that's not their fault.
There's no easy way when you do this kind of thing in winter in the Northern states. I know because I come from the Northern states. You can put lipstick on a pig but it doesn't make it not a pig. You have a pig situation. Hopefully you can keep a level head, do what has been suggested AS suggested and the fish do okay during the process. That's the best I can offer you. If you choose another way, whatever happens, happens.

Apparently, Amazon doesn't offer the replacement air filters for your pumps but they are offered at other sites. Use google or ask your local fish store. Make sure you have the pump model ( i.e. AP 100, AP300, AP150, etc. ) so you get the right filter for your pumps. They come in different sizes for the different size pumps.

Okay firstly, there are 2 windows in this room. So I would not be putting the fan by the window that has the pumps outside.

Secondly, it's not a crazy powerful fan, meant for exhaust but more calmly. Is that gonna do anything? I didnt set it up yet. I probably should. But needed to cover the tanks etc. Also i cant open the window the full height of the fan because of the tank. Does that matter...? Meantime, I did open the doors. Cold air circulating here.

Also, we put plastic drop cloth over the walls so really the tanks are behind the drop cloths, Along with the windows. Is it perhaps a better idea to just leave those drop cloths hanging down instead of lifting it to put the fan? This way the air can circulate through the open doors but I keep out some of the fumes through that drop cloth...?

Third, I do have heaters in the tanks.

Fourth, I had added an update but you may not have seen it so I'll add it here:

Update:

It is now 11:05am NY time. I shut my filter and pumps at 10:40am. I'm terrified to have it off for too long in the small tank. Please- can you tell me the soonest I can plug it back in? Here are details:

Both pumps are outside the window. Basically right outside, maybe 4 inches away. I left the window open a crack, I hope that's okay. There's cold, outdoor air gently pouring into the room . I covered the tanks with plenty of drop cloth (thin plastic) till the bottom of the tank, not just on top. But it's not like shrink wrap. I tried to tie it as securely as I could and put some painter's tape to hold it down but do I have to freak out whether it's done well enough...? Okay, those are the details. They are doing plastering today, and paint tomorrow. Please tell me the absolute soonest I can turn on my filter and air pumps, considering they are actually outside in the street. Thank you so much.

P.s. If you still insist I get the replacement filters, when would I be doing that.. after the painting is done? Like next day?

Also, i cant really see well through this plastic so I wouldn't see clearly how my fish are doing, if i could see them at all. It's the frosted type of plastic, stupidly. I do know that we had a blackout this past spring and I had to run to the store to buy battery-operated bubbles, so it probably was around 1.5 - 2 hours minimum that my fish were without bubbles (maybe more, i dont remember) and they were fine. The difference here is that I need to wait for fumes to leave. Unless you say it's okay since the pumps are at a totally different window. Also, how long till I can bring the pumps back inside.

Or - in short- should I just bring the pumps in after the painting is done and the room doesnt stink anymore, and place that opening on the carbon and then it's safe to turn on the filter and air pumps? rather than having the pumps outside in totally fresh air...?

 

[Andy Sager]

Okay firstly, there are 2 windows in this room. So I would not be putting the fan by the window that has the pumps outside.

Secondly, it's not a crazy powerful fan, meant for exhaust but more calmly. Is that gonna do anything? I didnt set it up yet. I probably should. But needed to cover the tanks etc. Also i cant open the window the full height of the fan because of the tank. Does that matter...? Meantime, I did open the doors. Cold air circulating here.

Also, we put plastic drop cloth over the walls so really the tanks are behind the drop cloths, Along with the windows. Is it perhaps a better idea to just leave those drop cloths hanging down instead of lifting it to put the fan? This way the air can circulate through the open doors but I keep out some of the fumes through that drop cloth...?

Third, I do have heaters in the tanks.

Fourth, I had added an update but you may not have seen it so I'll add it here:

Update:

It is now 11:05am NY time. I shut my filter and pumps at 10:40am. I'm terrified to have it off for too long in the small tank. Please- can you tell me the soonest I can plug it back in? Here are details:

Both pumps are outside the window. Basically right outside, maybe 4 inches away. I left the window open a crack, I hope that's okay. There's cold, outdoor air gently pouring into the room . I covered the tanks with plenty of drop cloth (thin plastic) till the bottom of the tank, not just on top. But it's not like shrink wrap. I tried to tie it as securely as I could and put some painter's tape to hold it down but do I have to freak out whether it's done well enough...? Okay, those are the details. They are doing plastering today, and paint tomorrow. Please tell me the absolute soonest I can turn on my filter and air pumps, considering they are actually outside in the street. Thank you so much.

P.s. If you still insist I get the replacement filters, when would I be doing that.. after the painting is done? Like next day?

I don't insist on replacement air filters. The pump will. Those filters eventually get clogged. You'll know when they need replacing when the amount of air in the tank is reducing. You have the choice then of spending $3 or $4 on filters or $30 or $40 on a new pump. That's your choice. I know what I would do.

Also, i cant really see well through this plastic so I wouldn't see clearly how my fish are doing, if i could see them at all. It's the frosted type of plastic, stupidly. I do know that we had a blackout this past spring and I had to run to the store to buy battery-operated bubbles, so it probably was around 1.5 - 2 hours minimum that my fish were without bubbles (maybe more, i dont remember) and they were fine. The difference here is that I need to wait for fumes to leave. Unless you say it's okay since the pumps are at a totally different window. Also, how long till I can bring the pumps back inside.

I answered all this in my last post. There is no minutes/hours clock. Every tank is different. As for the drop cloths, are they over the tanks or are the tanks behind the ones on the wall?

 

[Libby1]

I don't insist on replacement air filters. The pump will. Those filters eventually get clogged. You'll know when they need replacing when the amount of air in the tank is reducing. You have the choice then of spending $3 or $4 on filters or $30 or $40 on a new pump. That's your choice. I know what I would do.

Oh okay so you're saying it's not urgent, only if I notice less bubbles. Okay.

I answered all this in my last post. There is no minutes/hours clock. Every tank is different. As for the drop cloths, are they over the tanks or are the tanks behind the ones on the wall?

Both. I wrapped the tanks fully in plastic (each individually) plus, the walls have a plastic loosely draped from ceiling to floor. And the windows are behind that plastic, along with the tanks.

 

[Libby1]

Actually im attaching a photo so you could see what I'm talking about. You can see my larger tank in the center between the two windows. To the left is the window where the pumps are outside. To the right, the little tank is sitting on the window sill. It's currently open an inch or two.

Oh-- don't get concerned - this is before I wrapped each tank individually.

 

[Andy Sager]

Actually im attaching a photo so you could see what I'm talking about. You can see my larger tank in the center between the two windows. To the left is the window where the pumps are outside. To the right, the little tank is sitting on the window sill. It's currently open an inch or two.

Oh-- don't get concerned - this is before I wrapped each tank individually.

That should be fine.

 

[Libby1]

That should be fine.

So you're saying...?
I shouldn't put the exhaust, just rather leave those windows open a crack, plus the doors to the house, yes?

And when can I turn back on my bubbles (sitting on the carbon I guess)

And should I bring the pumps back inside or rather leave them outside...?

And how long does the pump have to sit on the carbon? For instance today when they are plastering? And tomorrow when they're painting? Are you saying leave it in the carbon till Friday morning?

Also, when they paint upstairs I will close the door. So i dont need to worry about that, correct?

Gosh my head is spinning from this nerve-wracking stuff.


Okay -- update:

They finished plastering the room. I left the doors open and window a crack opening for a bit longer, and my brother came and said he doesnt smell anything. So I brought in the pumps while still leaving the door open, put carbon into a cardboard box in 2 piles of probably around 1.5 to 2 inches high in the center (I first lowered the walls so there's sufficient air able to be sucked in theough the carbon) and placed each pump's filter spot onto its individual pile. Then i shut the doors and turned on the pumps and filter. I peeked into the tanks and the fish seem fine. I left the tanks wrapped in the plastic for now.

They are plastering upstairs now, but the door is closed the whole time.

Questions:

When can I uncover the plastic from the tanks? Do I need to worry about dust particles floating due to them scraping off the old paint earlier? Or it's okay if it's mostly settled?

Also, I should leave the pumps in the carbon continuously?

Also, tomorrow is the painting.. so the fumes are stronger than plaster. Am I doing everything correctly and shouldn't panic, just do the same i did today? The fish were without bubbles or filter for approx 2.5 hours I believe.

Thanks!