HELP - Chemicals got into my tank!!!

[delfinparis]

I just did something very stupid - I have a 30 gal reef with no lid (my Coralife dual actinic is on stilts resting on the lid perimeter), and my hardwood floors needed to be replaced because of a water leak in my bathroom.

All of a sudden yesterday my tank was a massive white cloud, all of my fish died, and many of my corals were wiped out. I didn't realize the carpenters would be using chemicals to finish my floor (horrible unrealization on my part).

I'm guessing, since the stench of polyurethane (or whatever they used to finish and seal the hardwood), that some of the chemicals got into the tank. It stinks pretty bad in here, and I'm trying to figure out what to do.

I did a 25% water change yesterday, plus I cleaned my Bak Pak 2 and all three of my powerheads. I did some testing (nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, etc., and all my levels look good), but the tank is still a white cloud.

When should I do another water change, and how much? Plus, is there any other supplements or anything that can help me clear the water?

Thanks in advance!

Delfin

 

[mr pink floyd]

lots of water changes, and lots and lots of fresh carbon


good luck

 

[GinaSofia]

do 25%-50% per day and change out the carbon daily..it's going to take a while.

 

[squiddly]

I'd also throw in a polyfilter.

 

[CeeGee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8299660#post8299660 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by squiddly
I'd also throw in a polyfilter.

or 10!

 

[DrBegalke]

Good luck. If it were me and a small tank like that, I would just start over.

 

[dustin323]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8299813#post8299813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBegalke
Good luck. If it were me and a small tank like that, I would just start over.

If everything is dead that's what I would do.

 

[Sk8r]

I'd suggest polyfilter pads: they take out metals and volatiles as well as chemicals. Plus run carbon.bbb

 

[chaseracing]

Water changes are great but like everyone else said....you may want to start fresh.

If Chemicals did get directly into the tank, then whatever killed you tank is probably now in the rock and substrate.

I tried to fix a nano once that get messed up. It took forever for the tank to rebound. I had issues for about a year before the stank finally stabilized.

If you start over, it could be much quicker, and less frustrating in the long run.

-=E=-

 

[JeffersonReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8299813#post8299813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBegalke
Good luck. If it were me and a small tank like that, I would just start over.

Ditto. Do a 100% water change, since all the fish are dead anyway. I would probably cook the rock too, personally.

-TJ

 

[trippyl]

Just wanted to point out the irony, that he had water damage from his bathroom fixtures, and not from the 30 gallon. But it was that water damage that ultimately caused the demise of his 30 gallon.

 

[JeffersonReef]

LOL. Yeah. I guess that is one plus!

I spilled 20g or so on my carpet the first week I got my tank. LOL. I think we all did that... (right?)

 

[Chicago]

start over.. dont chance it.. not worth it.. get rid of the rock... sorry to hear about your loss