Help! Help! Help! Help!

[Nicole and Jay]

The glass tube around the heater broke inside of the tank and was like that for awhile before I found it. The internal workings of the heater were exposed and sparking inside the water. There is a toxic smell coming from the tank now. The fish look fine but the mushroom coral look stressed. The smell burns my eyes and it smells like sulfur. Is this a danger to us? What should I do?

 

[lcstorc]

Unplug and remove the heater.
Run carbon.
I would add additional circulation or an air-stone but that is just a gut reaction not actual knowledge.

 

[blue_eyes53813]

How is the livestock doing? You said it was in there for awhile.. Most livestock would of been dead or showing signs of stress if there was a real danger..

But I agree with Lynn. Run carbon, water changes, increase flow and oxygen exchange... Wouldnt be a bad idea to mix extra fresh saltwater just incase the tank starts to decline... Good luck..

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Bad times. Good luck cleaning up that mess.

Everybody use this as a reminder to check your heater regularly! If there's condensation inside, it needs to go. Same goes for cracks (obviously) or settings being off.

 

[Woodstock]

Carbon and a water change(s) would help remove any chemicals.

GFI, ground fault interrupter. Make sure you have your reefing items plugged into one of these. It could save your life.

 

[NCguy]

After you clean everything up,get yourself a Visi-Therm Stealth heater and you won't have to worry about that happening again.