Your fumigator will work with you to determine the best way to protect the living things in your aquarium during fumigation. The following guidelines will explain some of the factors that can affect what you decide to do. Aquariums contain complex and sensitive tropical freshwater or saltwater ecosystems. The slightest change to environmental conditions can seriously affect fish and other animals, plants and microscopic organisms important for filtering waste from the water and providing food sources for the aquarium’s inhabitants. A whole-home fumigation with Vikane® fumigant affects the aquarium environment in two ways that will require you make certain preparations:1.Most tropical freshwater and marine aquariums must bemaintained at a constant temperature, usually between 74°Fand 80°F. This creates an issue during fumigation, asair-conditioning units are generally turned off because thecompressor pumps cannot operate if covered by a tarp.In Southern states, interior ambient temperatures can reach100°F in tarped structures in summer months when the airconditioners are turned off. These temperatures are too highfor many aquatic organisms. Some aquariums may havechillers, but these are uncommon due to their expense,bulkiness and the noise they produce.2.Living things cannot be exposed to breathing the fumigant.This includes the fish and other animals in an aquarium andaerobic bacteria used in the biological filtration systemsfound in many tanks. These bacteria are cultivated on largesurface areas, such as plastic, spiky spheres. However, thebacteria grow on these surfaces and could be killed byexposure to Vikane.When planning your fumigation, consider the following:1.As a homeowner with an aquarium, the fumigator will likelyask you to sign a release of liability.2.The best option is to remove the aquarium.3.If the aquarium is too large to move, another option isremoving the living things within it, including “live” rocks,plants and biological filters. Move these organisms toanother location during the fumigation, such as a storespecializing in aquarium displays. Also, the water in the tankshould be replaced before returning these organisms to theaquarium after the fumigation.Fumigating Structures Containing Fish AquariumsFUMIGATIONFACTS®Trademark of Douglas Products.Vikane is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions.These materials have been created specifically for Vikane and no other fumigant. These materials may not be copied, whole or in part, or reproduced without the permission of Douglas Products.©2016 Douglas Products. U01-069-140 (08/16) BR4. Another option is to keep the contents of the aquarium in the home during fumigation while following these precautions: – The water temperature in the tank needs to be controlled. In warm temperatures, placing ice cubes in a plastic bag can help reduce the temperature of the tank water. Never float ice cubes in an aquarium without enclosing them in plastic. If the aquarium has a chiller unit, leave it operating during the fumigation. – The entire tank and all peripheral pumps and filters should be sealed under airtight plastic sheets. This would include protein skimmers, which are commonly found in saltwater tanks. These skimmers use a pump to mix air bubbles with water drawn from the surface of the tank to create a foam for “skimming” off through a venturi column. – It might be necessary for your fumigator to use a hose (e.g., ¼-inch ID) attached to a pump outside of the house to slowly release fresh air into the airspace where the aquarium is located. This intake hose should be placed at a reasonable distance away from tent seams and ground seals of the house to ensure fresh air intake. An exhaust hose vented from the aquarium airspace to outside the fumigated structure may also be necessary. This will provide fresh air exchange during the fumigation in the aquarium airspace.FUMIGATIONFACTSFumigationFacts.comNext >