Holy Cow! What did I dump in my tank?!?

Fountainhead

New member
I received my the first half of my TBS shipment. Beatiful rock! Anyway, after I got the rock and sand in, I read where you are supposed to add the packet of brown powder to assist with the cycle. So I ripped open the white packet, mixed it with some saltwater, and dumped it in. The I noticed the plastic packet with the brown powder still laying there on the floor. The stuff that I put in wasn't the right stuff! It was in one on those sealed white packets, and looks like dirt. What is it? Have I made a fatal error here? I'm about ready to put a gun to my head.
 
I have no idea what you put in. When did you get the package that you put in? Use table shrimp to get the cycle started.
 
The packets were with the rocks. It turns out there was one packet with each box. It looks like dirt. I think I need to start drinking heavily.
 
Sounds like the heat paks - I have no idea whats in them tho - you had better give Richard or Mary a call tomorrow.
Good Luck
 
Definately heat packs, and I would start by testing your water then adding a dechlorifyer/demetalizer solution (most of those you can't overdose). Then do a 20% water change at least. Running a canister filter with charcoal will detoxify also. It might be overkill but I doubt it and it won't hurt anything anyway.

Did you add the bacteria after you noticed the goof?
 
Re: Holy Cow! What did I dump in my tank?!?

Fountainhead said:
I received my the first half of my TBS shipment. Beatiful rock! Anyway, after I got the rock and sand in, I read where you are supposed to add the packet of brown powder to assist with the cycle. So I ripped open the white packet, mixed it with some saltwater, and dumped it in. The I noticed the plastic packet with the brown powder still laying there on the floor. The stuff that I put in wasn't the right stuff! It was in one on those sealed white packets, and looks like dirt. What is it? Have I made a fatal error here? I'm about ready to put a gun to my head.


Bad news.....that was a heat pack, better get it ALL out.....

The instructions read....

small bag with brown powder...

the heat pack is in a white bag and the stuff inside is black..

get it out!!
Richard TBS
 
Oh man :mad2: I'm feeling your pain.
If it's any consolation, it's good your tank wasn't filled with corals and fish when you made your little boo-boo :rolleyes:
Yeah, look on the bright side, maybe you're getting all your dumb mistakes out of the way early, instead of waiting till you'd cause a big disaster -- like most of the rest of us do.
Hang in there
Mariner
 
Well, it WAS a heat pack. I spoke with Richard, and I also talked to the folks that provide the packs to TBS. Richard wasn't sure, but the supplier seemed to feel that it wouldn't cause any harm. The water looks great (completely clear already) so I'll just forge ahead and hope for the best.

CheeseyPoof...don't you ever work?
 
Those heat packs typically contain iron powder & activated carbon. I guess just keep an eagle eye on your water chemistry...

Dagnabit! Best of luck!
 
Iron, huh? Any way to test for this? Granted, the rock has been in only about 10 hours, but this morning I had no detectable ammonia, and maybe .1 nitrite, and 10 nitrate. PH was 8.1. The water is crystal clear already. So other than the fact that I know what I did, all would seem well.

Richard, if you're reading this...I was wrong about the octopus, he is still alive.

<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/kschannen/octopus.jpg" alt="" border="0">
 
Dang, that little guy sure is cute.
Keep us updated on your tank conditions, my TBS has been in my tank for about 2 months - couldn't be happier.
 
Fountainhead said:
Iron, huh? Any way to test for this? Granted, the rock has been in only about 10 hours, but this morning I had no detectable ammonia, and maybe .1 nitrite, and 10 nitrate. PH was 8.1. The water is crystal clear already. So other than the fact that I know what I did, all would seem well.

Richard, if you're reading this...I was wrong about the octopus, he is still alive.

<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/kschannen/octopus.jpg" alt="" border="0">

Give him a big shell or rock to hide in or he will stress out!


Richard
www.tbsaltwater.com
:rollface: :rollface: :rollface:
 
I did. That photo was taken last night right after I found him. For now I've put him in a 10-gallon tank with a hunk of the LR. I want to move the LR back to the main tank though. How about a few pieces of PVC pipe of something? Will he eat frozen krill?
 
Here's one who found his own rock...bummer.

<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/kschannen/mantis.jpg" alt="" border="0">

This one looks like a good guy...I think:

<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/kschannen/lilcrab.jpg" alt="" border="0">
 
Fountainhead said:
I did. That photo was taken last night right after I found him. For now I've put him in a 10-gallon tank with a hunk of the LR. I want to move the LR back to the main tank though. How about a few pieces of PVC pipe of something? Will he eat frozen krill?

Nope, they eat hermit crabs......love bluelegs!

Richard TBS
www.tbsaltwater.com
:rollface: :rollface: :rollface:
 
Fountainhead,
Just a quick suggestion. Why don't you ask Randy Farley what you should do? He's really knowledgeable and always ready to help. Your question is chemistry related. He is our resident chemistry expert. Give it a shot.

I feel your pain, good luck,
Russ
 
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