Do inexpensive Aq. Thermometers Contain Mercury

[Buzz1329]

I seem to recall reading that inexpensive aquarium thermometers (like this one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3744+23736&pcatid=23736), no longer contain mercury and now use alcohol instead.

Anyone know if this is true?

I sure hope so because I discovered this morning that the thermometer cited above had shattered in my sump. I've changed and tripled GAC as a precaution, but am hoping I have not polluted my tank with mercury.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[bertoni]

I haven't seen a thermometer with mercury in it for a long time. The one pictured certainly doesn't have any in it.

 

[Buzz1329]

I haven't seen a thermometer with mercury in it for a long time. The one pictured certainly doesn't have any in it.

Great! Whew. Thanks.

 

[Rybren]

I haven't seen a thermometer with mercury in it for a long time. The one pictured certainly doesn't have any in it.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen a mercury-filled thermometer in many decades either - it was probably back in the early sixties. We used to break the thermometers on purpose and play with the little balls of mercury.

 

[FraggledRock]

Come to think of it, I haven't seen a mercury-filled thermometer in many decades either - it was probably back in the early sixties. We used to break the thermometers on purpose and play with the little balls of mercury.

I remember playing with mercury thermometers in the 90s... but I did go to public school so they were very behind on funding, so i'm sure we had toys from the 70's still there LOL

 

[emerald crab]

If the indicator liquid looks metallic it is mercury. If it is a colored liquid (red, blue, black....), that is not mercury.

 

[DasCamel]

+1

+1

If the indicator liquid looks metallic it is mercury. If it is a colored liquid (red, blue, black....), that is not mercury.

Kind of wierd that an entire generation has grown up w/o Mercury thermometers.

Missing out on the fun... And the toxicity.