Broken thermometer

[wcboyd]

Hello All,

I have a glass thermometer and the top broke. I don't think the part w/the mercury broke, I believe it is just the glass outside part. Is there anything I should be concerned with?

The tank is towards the end of a fishless cycle so there is no risk of loss of life.

Thanks,

Craig

[DrNic]

Check the maker. Most thermometers aren't mercury anymore but are actually just alcohol. If you find that there really is mercury in it then make sure to dispose of it properly (call your city/town) and keep it away from any children less than 10 years old.

[rich311k]

It is not mercury. I think they stopped mercury before the Civil War the stuff is deadly to the touch almost. You have nothing to worry about. Just pick out any glass peices that may have gotten in the tank.

[wcboyd]

Well, I guess I am showing my age! :wink:

Thanks to both of you!

[Pleco380]

Do you have another thermometer so you can still tell what the temp is? I keep 2 thermometers on each of my tanks just in case 1 is off or breaks. It may be pointless but I do it just to be safe. Have you ever thought about getting an electric thermometer?

[wcboyd]

Yeah, that is what I think I will get this time. The last one was just a quick cheap that I needed for cycling to make sure the temp was in the right range.

Thanks,

Craig

[gadget228]

I use one of these on all my tanks,

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3744+12089&pcatid=12089

Got my first one back in November 09 and haven't replaced the battery yet. They use a common watch battery, cost around $3 for two batteries.