Salt Water Fish Help?

Question

We put a rubber mat under the pump to reduce vibration noise and by the next day 5 of our fish are dead and two are dying. We have a salt water tank w/live rock. The entire tank now smells like rubber and so does the live rock. What happened? We have actually seen rubber mats suggested for this purpose? What do we do now except thouroughly clean our tank and mourn our lost fish? Does anyone know what would have caused this?

the mat is not in the tank - it is under a pump in a cabinet under the tank

Answer 1

Some rubber will give off harmful fumes. I would suggest a major water change and add fresh carbon to the filter to remove the remaining harmful materials. Who knows if it will save the other two fish but it's worth a try. Sorry to hear of your losses.

Silicone baking mats are safe to use for this though, no harmful effects from them at all.

MM

Answer 2

Sorry I just answered your other question. It isn't the rubber mat. How long has your tank been set up? What kind of fish do you have or did you have? See my other answer and I am sorry I didn't get to you in time. As you know, charcoal doesn't go into a salt tank. DO NOT add charcoal pads to your tank..

Answer 3

it depends on the amount of money you want to spend. Salt water fish in general are expensive and it costs even more to get the big enough tank, pump, etc. Fresh water fish are cheaper and simpler to take care of. With salt water fish, you have to clean the tank every so often.

Answer 4

Your rubber is not giving off harmfull fumes. Sounds like your tank has not yet cycled properly.

Answer 5

I don,t think the rubber was to go in the tank but under it. you have tobe careful what you put in salt water tanks.