Warning about new carpet installation and fish

[Buglet]

Last Saturday we had new carpet installed in 2 rooms in our home. Since we have multiple pets that we were concerned about, we moved them all (fish included) to the farthest room away from the carpet.

We aired the room out, left windows open, and left our fish, Corn Dog, in another room overnight. On Sunday, with the smell much faded, we returned him to his spot in the newly carpeted room.

As of last night, he was fine, and tonight he passed away. His water parameters were all perfect, visually he looked fine. He began acting odd at about 10pm tonight, and we suspected possible swim bladder problems (erratic swimming, sinking to the bootom). Within 15 minutes, he had died. In an attempt to save him, my finace put him in another tank with fresh water and attempted to revive him by forcing water over his gills.

Unfortunately it was too late. Corn Dog had survived being kept in a bag at the fair, been kept in a small bowl with no filter for a while (I had no idea about proper fishkeeping), survived a trip from Michigan to Florida, and was now living a beautiful, sweet life. But he could not survive the carpet fumes.

For the sake of your fish, please, please, keep them away from new carpets and carpet fumes.

RIP Corn Dog "Corny"

 

[Sorrell]

Sorry for your loss

 

[corykitty516]

so sorry for your loss

I'd like to add to your warning for people to also be careful of harwood refinishing products. My father installs hardwood floors for a living and the fumes are powerfull enough to seep into your refrigerator and taint your food so I'm sure they would have no trouble getting into your water. I dont know of any specific cases of fish poisioning but I have heard of a few bird deaths related to floor sealant.

 

[Boggle]

It's a bit scary, if we use things that are toxic to our pets, what are they doing to us?

Very sorry for your loss

 

[freshmike]

bye bye buddy.

 

[Buglet]

Thanks, everyone.

I am still so sad this morning. Corn Dog was such a part of our family and had overcome a lot of adversity. He will be very very missed.

We realized after some more thought, the fact that his air pump was sitting *on* the carpet was probably pumping the most toxic of fumes right into his tank. We only thought about the air quality as it related to the air at the level we were breathing, not at the level of the carpet, where his air was coming from. I am trying very hard not to blame myself for this, it was just a stupid, stupid mistake, but I can't help wishing I had just left him in another room for a few more days.

*sniff* I miss Corn Dog