Painting

[Pico1]

I'm about to paint in the same room as my tank. What can I do to prevent the tank from getting poisoned? TIA.

 

[Marc Daniels]

Completely cover the tank with plastic, down to the floor and seal it the best that you can. Bring an airline in from outside, maybe on a small air pump. Have it just loose under the plastic. What you want to do is create a positive pressure under the plastic, which will keep any fumes from coming into the "tent". This will also bring fresh air in for gas exchange. Don't run the lights, it would get pretty hot fully enclosed. Make sure that you are running fresh carbon just in case.

 

[wombat2]

Great idea Marc!

I'd also suggest turning off your skimmer, as it will pull in air.

 

[Marc Daniels]

Good point Matt, he could also bring a line from outside in for the skimmer. That's what I do during the colder months to help keep my tank cool.

 

[wombat2]

Even better idea.

Although with the weather right now it might cook his tank.

 

[Marc Daniels]

Too true!

 

[Pico1]

Great ideas Marc and Matt! I did both. I think having the skimmer's airline closed from the room's fumes will help a lot. Thanks!

 

[Justin74]

Those are excellent pointers.

-Justin