Ooops! Thermometer mishap!

[Buddyboy]

Good idea. Unfortunately, when I tried to use the Magfloat, they weren't attracted to it. Any other thoughts? Anyone have any ideas what these balls are made of?

[Sebae]

Take apair of pliers and squeeze one. If it '' mushes '' and goes flat it could be lead . Also if it is a dark grey and scratches easily showing shiny metal underneath it is probably lead. Definitely remove it from the tank.

[DanG]

You could check the web for the MSDS of that brand of thermometer. www.msds.com has the most up to date list.

[Buddyboy]

Looks like I panicked a bit! I tried the ole Magfloat trick again and it worked! I was able to use it to attract all the little balls that the baster had missed. What a pain though! Maybe i'll buy a digital therm next. Thanks again for all your suggestions!!

[Murminator]

I think those little silver balls will be mercury... which I think will be highly toxic I would do a watter change and vaccum up the area where were

[trilinearmipmap]

If you have spilled mercury it is not just your tank that you have to worry about, but your own safety.

Here is information on how to handle a mercury spill.

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/.../spills.htm#do

[Ruth]

I don't think mercury has been used in thermometers for many years so I highly doubt it is that. It is probably a metal of some kind though so you should definately get them out of there asap.