scary moment

bmshehan · 02-03-2008, 01:26 PM

Thank God my tank is alive this morning!!! Had a scary moment last night... went to put a peice of plastic on top of my tank last night and dropped it in the tank... my hands were clean so I reached in and got it. .0001 seconds later I realized I used some cologne earlier! I didn't think I had any on that arm, but wasn't for sure... I've heard some good ol alcohol is good for a tank! fishies are still alive... must have been clean. Good reminder for all... always think twice before sticking your hand in your tank!!!!!!

stupid newbie!

reef_guru · 02-03-2008, 11:27 PM

yea its always best to put clean hands in the tank. but that little bit of what was on your skin shouldnt affect the tank to much. the oils on your skin and some soap used to clean with also play a part.

baugherb · 02-03-2008, 11:30 PM

I usually always rinse my hands off before sticking in my tank. But in a hurry, we all have done things not exactly the way we should of.....

Otty · 02-04-2008, 04:59 AM

Don't know why you were putting plastic over your tank but you should leave it open for gas exchange. That is the only way your tank gets it's oxygen.

bmshehan · 02-04-2008, 06:14 AM

I probably overreacted, but it still scarred me. Just ask my wife about how anal I am about anything that goes near my tank!!!

bmshehan · 02-04-2008, 06:17 AM

Otty- I put a couple peices of glass & plastic over the top to slow down evaporation... still gets plenty of air in, it's not completely covered. I was losing well more than a gallon a day for a while, glass tops will go here soon when I get my top stained & put on

coral reefer · 02-04-2008, 07:38 AM

The glass or plastic top will reduce the amount of light to your inhabitants below in my opinion. Yes, OTTY is right, to some extent, in the reduced oxygen but also carbon dioxide from the ambient environment being hindered somewhat from the top.

Your tank and its inhabitants will also receive beneficial oxygen from the photosynthtic plants and corals containing zooxanthellae. Your skimmer will also provide beneficial oxygen through the air microbubbles it produces.
Another way that your tank will replenish exhausted oxygen is by water turbulance created by placing a powerhead at the top of your tank at the air/surface interface, where oxygen can mix with your tank water.
Keeping your water temperature around 75 degrees will also help to ensure your livestock doesn't suffocate!

omard · 02-04-2008, 07:45 AM

Airstone in tank or sump is good idea.

Open surface area for CO2 release is very important. Most of us don't have enough already.

Evap is something you are going to have to live with. Tank temp can adjust it somewhat.

I go thru ~5 gal. every other day...with 125 gal at 80 degrees.

Gosh, just think what those guys with really big tanks have to deal with.

bmshehan · 02-04-2008, 08:49 AM

keep in mind that my tank is only a month old and is still cycling... got 4 fish 3 rocks and sand... thats it as far as livestock is concerned. like i said, tops will go when i get my canopy on and get lights on. plan is for no lights for another couple months, the glass tops just help with evaporation for now. once i turn my lights on and start adding livestock, i'll be topping off every other day i'm sure.

reef_guru · 02-04-2008, 08:58 PM

for your top off
Reef-Relief :: Automated Aquatic Top Off Controller