The replacement for the small tank with toxic silicone is in place and has been populated since Friday. One thing that took me by surprise is that apparently the anti-mold chemicals that were in the used tank leeched into some of the plastic in the heater, thermometer base, and filter. It was released again in the water of the new tank.
Although the concentration is clearly lower in the new tank, I am still losing fish. I did an emergency 90% water change late last night, and I replaced the box filter with a brand new one I had in storage. I also replaced the silicone tubing going to the air pump, and removed all the plants that were in the old tank.
I didn’t lose any more fish overnight, but many of them are still very stressed. I’ll do another major water change today and hopefully get most of the poison out of the system.
The lingering effects are very frustrating, but it will probably lead to another article for the ALA bulletin.
