Did I contaminate my tank?

218 Views 9 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Auballagh, 8 d ago

Jhook978

Discussion Starter · 9 d ago

So hopefully I’m overreacting. I had a couple spots on my diy tank stand that had plastic wood filler which needed to be sanded. Mind you the tank is filled atop. I figured it would be no problem to lightly sand this with the windows open. I couldn’t help but notice particles under my light in the air. My tank doesn’t have a lid right now. So I’m afraid those dust particles may cause my tank harm. I’m currently running a fishless cycle in the tank. It’s 75 gallon. Here’s a picture of the wood filler.

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DJRansome

· #2 · 9 d ago

I would do 100% water change, wiping out any dust around the inside rim that is visible.

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Jhook978

Discussion Starter · #3 · 9 d ago

I assume this will effect my cycling process pretty drastically?

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DJRansome

· #4 · 9 d ago

No, the bacteria are on the surfaces...glass, substrate, decor, filter media.

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Jhook978

Discussion Starter · #5 · 9 d ago

Okay currently siphoning out my water should I wash filter media?

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Free Swimmer

· #6 · 9 d ago

Jhook978 said:
Okay currently siphoning out my water should I wash filter media?

That is an interesting situation, because I always suggest rinsing filter media in aquarium water "NOT TAP WATER" so it doesnt kill off beneficial bacteria. However, the tank water is what needs to be removed, to clear any potential nasties. So, the time to clean and start over is now. Before anything is living in tank, ie. bacteria or fish. I say yes, clean filter with new water and restart the process.

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Jhook978

Discussion Starter · #7 · 9 d ago

So I did a one hundred percent water change. I emptied my hang on back filters water I didn’t clean the media. I feel pretty good about the water change. I imagine only a small amount of the dust got into the tank. I was only sanding by hand and took into account that I shouldn’t stir up much dust. Stupid mistake hopefully all will be okay.

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DJRansome

· #8 · 8 d ago

Good, I would have said don't rinse the media.

Next time just throw a sheet over the tank.

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Jhook978

Discussion Starter · #9 · 8 d ago

DJRansome said:
Good, I would have said don't rinse the media.

Next time just throw a sheet over the tank.

Note taken thanks for your help do you think seeding the tank with more ammonia would be wise?

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Auballagh

· #10 · 8 d ago

Well, yeah. The biological filtration for the aquarium hasn't cycled yet, right?
Continue the op!

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