I can't beleive what I just did! (Petroleum Jelly + fish = ?)

[CODzilla]

I have been having problems with the filter I got second hand making too much noise (I have tried all the usual methods to get it running quietly) and the GF is getting PO'd because it is in the living room and we have to have the TV on quite loud to hear it. I took it apart again today to have a look and I got the bright idea of lubricating the magnet on the impeller so I stuck a big blob of Petroleum Jelly on the magnet and rubbed it all over and then did the same to the hole where the magnet goes. I set it all back up and turned it on and chunks start coming out of the spray bar and the surface of the water is covered in tiny bits of it and oily residue!

I have done a 50% WC taking the water from the surface and it is pretty much clear on the surface now but the water is still a little murky so I might leave it for a while and do another WC.

Wht effect is the Petroleum Jelly going to have on my fish? I'm guessing the oxygen in the water will go down? Is there anything else I should be doing?

And to top it all off the filter is still as noisy.

 

[BPags52]

I also can't believe you did that

All I can add is to increase frequency of water changes this week.

 

[mymindseye81]

i would go to your LFS ASAP and talk to someone about chemicals to add in the water. something to break down the oil maybe. not sure. i would be skimming the top of the water with a cup over and over and over agian until i fealt confident that it was gone or almost gone. but i think adding something to the water would be the best bet

 

[CichlidAddict]

Clean the filter and do a 100% water change.

 

[irishfan]

wow thats an interesting situation. Not to make fun, but I am just very surprised with the method. How have the fish responded? I dont have any idea what you should do besides the obvious of water changes. Good luck.

 

[Camshaft Ramrod]

lulz

 

[CODzilla]

Just did another skim of the top, can't see anything out of the ordinary at the surface but the water looks a little cloudy, not sure if this is because of the jelly or the replacement water stirring things up. The fish seem fine, usual gill movement and behaviour, they are probably just thinking why did we have to end up with this mong taking care of us!

 

[flagtail]

I'm still having trouble reading beyond this line.......

"I stuck a big blob of Petroleum Jelly on the magnet and rubbed it all over and then did the same to the hole"

I guess the re cleaning of the filter might be helpful....

 

[Pharaoh]

Don't feel too bad. I have seen many people post up that using vaseline on impellar parts will help quiet the filter. You may have just made the simple "overdid it" mistake.

Hope everything works out.

 

[mymindseye81]

I'm still having trouble reading beyond this line.......

"I stuck a big blob of Petroleum Jelly on the magnet and rubbed it all over and then did the same to the hole"

at least the fish will have a really nice slime coat