Thermometer tip breaks in tank

[debddp]

I was cleaning the glass on my tank and had moved the thermometer to the corner over a frag rack. I hit it with the mag float and the tip broke. The thermometer itself did not break, but the tip that holds all those little silver balls did and all the balls came out. Luckily it broke right over the corner of the frag rack and probably 98 percent got attached to the magnet. I didn't know at first the thermometer part didn't break so started a water change and tossed in a poly filter.

I scooped up the top layer of sand in the corner where the break was where I saw glass. Once I realized the thermometer didn't break and it was just the tons of tiny metal balls I tried several different magnets inside and out to grab the balls from the sand and corals in area. I used outside a large tape eraser I use for video/audio tape erasing... inside I used the mag float along the sand. I only got two more little balls and a small piece of metal.

What else am I missing that I can do?

Thanks.

[Serk]

Water change, poly filter and a decent amount of fresh carbon is what I'd be doing, and you've already got the first two handled...

[kuyatwo]

I am not sure if mercury is magnetic but might want to hover a magnet over you sand to see if any attaches

[debddp]

Originally Posted by kuyatwo

I am not sure if mercury is magnetic but might want to hover a magnet over you sand to see if any attaches

Even though I panicked at first because of mercury, I found out the aquarium thermometers I get from Walmart do not contain mercury... I don't think any of the aquarium thermometers do, actually, just some red stuff. But that part of the thermometer didn't break. My concern is the little balls that came out and having them rust in the tank. I did use a magnet through the sand and over the small frags in that area. I'll be doing it again this weekend.

BTW Serk, I run carbon 24/7...I should've mentioned it.

[Serk]

Originally Posted by debddp

having them rust in the tank.

I think you'll be fine, sounds like you've gotten 'em all out, and are running filtration materials in case ya' didn't...

Besides, GFO that we run to filter out phosphates is just pure iron rust (Ferric Oxide)...