Problem

[Kimberly01]

In the process of setting up my ten gallon. I had the gravel and some decorations set up, then I stuck the thermometer in there on the side. It had a suction cup, so I figured it'd be fine. Walked out of the room for a moment to get the other stuff I'd just bought and the thermometer is laying in the gravel, broken. But, it was just the bottom of the thermometer that was broken. The little metal beads are in the gravel now, and i'm wondering if those little beads could be toxic or harmful to my betta. My mom suggests that I throw out the gravel and buy some more but I want to know if the metal beads could be harmful, and I should buy new gravel.

That's the thermometer I bought.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ct_id=10795052

[dramaqueen]

I believe the metal beads are mercury and I'd get new gravel.

[Scienceluvr8]

Definitely get new gravel, and dump out the water. Those metal beads, are actuall mercury and if ingested, could be fatal to your fish

[Kimberly01]

Alright.
I'll deffinitaly go get some new gravel.
Thanks guys. :]

[AngelicScars]

I was unaware they still used mercury in thermometers anymore. I would suggest dumping everything and starting fresh. Even if it isn't mercury, it could still pose a danger to your fish.
I've actually been using the same one and it has been working great, so you don't have to be discouraged from using the same brand. You can take it back and get a replacement. You don't even need a receipt, but if you have it take it.
:)