What might happen if ...

[Ryan Mackey]

We maintain 3 700gal reef tanks in a dentists office and recently found a penny in one of the sumps. What is the worst thing that could happen if someone put it there on purpose and there were to be more hidden in other spots? Any input would help. [email protected]

 

[Scooterman]

Do as through of an inspection as you can. If you fear this, then maybe try and find a copper test kit. I don't know just how much copper is actually used these days, I think most of the coins are some type of alloys. Maybe someone else will chime in.

 

[cwcross]

I would think this has the potential to be bad if you have corals in the tank. I'm pretty sure pennies have a lot of copper in them, which will oxidize to Cu++...bad for corals. I would definitely get a copper test kit as was suggested and make sure there aren't any more. I don't think it is a red light emergency but something you should definitely look into sooner than later.

I would guess that the penny would only release Cu++ very slowly in small amounts over an extended time. It might even be that the Cu++ would be exported faster than released. However, better safe than sorry I always say...best luck...Collin

 

[tony]

Were can I see some pics of the tanks??
What kind of people would do that??

 

[plack]

It's a public display area tank it was probably some kid that did it I would guess

 

[wrightme43]

What I had to do to keep people out of the ones I take care of, is install the cabinet locks on the canopy and stand doors on reef and saltwater tanks. So far I have found change, a plastic bottle cap, bubble gum, a hand painted plastic goldfish from somewhere, 3 dead tiger barbs somebody thought would fit in well with saltwater fish, 4 plastic soldiers, what I think was a piece of a hamburger, and a piece of broccoli. Some of this is at the same retirement home, that I sold everything at my cost, and do labor at 1/2 price, plus donated all decorations. Its just a freshwater chiclid tank though, so not as big of a deal. I finally got the lady who runs it to break down and I will be presenting a estimate for a canopy on monday. I have just been charging for locks as part of set up and salt tanks. One other thing to be careful of, I am sure you know already but just in case, sometimes the people have a bug maintence service guy who will come by once a month and spray bug poision all around the base of your reef tank. Also cleaning people who will spray pledge on top of the canopy, and use stripper and stuff on the floor. I always let the head honcho know what will happen if that does, and that there is no gaurantee on anything, so please let the folks know to leave it alone and not touch it at all.