[RebeccaSS]

I had two jewel cichlids and 3 fruit tetras in a 29gal tank. They were thriving and colored up as red as can be weeks after I got them. I wanted to make more decor for the tank so I bought river rock (which I boiled and dried). I built a rock wall which turned out beautiful. I used non toxic glue gun glue and silicone to put it together. Thinking everything was perfectly safe I added the decor. The next day the tetras were all in a plant dead and the cichlids turned gray, as they do when stressed, I quickly moved the cichlids to the quarantine tank. I added Melafix and removed the carbon filter. I checked the 29g's water and the parameters were fine, even the ph? The larger cichlid died the next day and the other still in quarantine. He hasn't eaten but seems to be getting color back and moving around a bit. I threw away my decor and cleaned the gravel. I filled it half way with water from a good tank and the rest with primed tap water. The tank is fine now and housing a few tiger barbs. I just can't figure out what went wrong. I adored my jewels and I haven't had a fish death in a long time?

 

[keepsmiling]

I am very sorry for your loss. Exactly what type of silicone did you use? They are not all created equal. Some have mold inhibiting properties, and these are not to be used in aquariums. Whenever you have a situation where something foreign has possibly gotten into your tank, always do a large water change, and run fresh carbon. Carbon loses it's effectiveness and is virtually useless after a week or a little more. I do not use carbon in my tanks, unless I want to clarify the water or something has gotten into my tank that is unwanted. I always keep a large jug on hand and some fine media bags for this purpose.This is not something that would have showed on an ordinary test kit.

 

[keepsmiling]

I just noticed you said also "non toxic glue gun glue" and silicone. I have never heard of anything being used in tanks except super glue{100% cyanoacrylate} and aquarium silicone. Do you know the properties of what you used? You should have also let the silicone cure for 24 hours at least. I like to wait an extra day.

 

[willow]

hello and welcome.
sorry for your losses :-(
i'd say off the top of my head that it was something to do with the glue
that you used,unless it's Aquarium glue stay away from it is best.

 

[RebeccaSS]

I researched the glue gun way before I used it. I guess it's just like melting plastic and as it dries its plastic again. I did cure the silicone. I used GE silicone and loctite silicone which even says aquarium use on the package. I have used all these products before except the glue gun.