Problem with Tree roots at Petsmart. Please read

[rheann]

For all of you that wanted me to ship tree roots, there is a slight problem. The root pictured in my tank I found out today actually could be potentially toxic.

I didn't realize this as it was placed in with all the other assorted roots at petsmart, and today while I was checking out root weight and total prices for Eric, an educated petsmart employee told me of the danger. I have since removed the root from my tank, and have replaced it with a rock cave that I made a while back.

I am very sorry to anyone who wanted this root that it could pose a healthy problem to your little axies that I didn't mean to mislead anyone. I haven't had any problems as of yet with my axolotls, they are all healthy and active, eating and playing. I noticed a slight discoloration of the root after I removed it from the tank, or it could be my eyes playing tricks on me. The other roots that I pictured in the last post about petsmart roots are all safe and fine to put in tanks. I knew when I got the root that it was for Terrariums, but I did not know it was toxic because it had been placed with all the other fish tank roots at the store and not with the reptile ornaments. Sorry for the inconvenience. And here is a picture of Grimace Gargamel that I was able to get. Still not enough light in the apartment even with the front door open lol.

 

[rheann]

I hope you guys aren't too upset at me.

 

[chris]

and why is it toxic?

 

[aimee]

Are all ornaments for terrariums toxic for aquariums?

 

[rheann]

Hey Guys. the root is toxic to aquariums because there is some sort of anti-bacteria stuff they put on it to keep mold and bacteria from growing on it in terrariums. after a while of it being in my tank I noticed the color started to fade. I took it out and a lot of the color came off. The water was also colored funny. It hasn't hurt my Axolotls, but I didn't want to take any further risk of them getting sick from it so I took it out. I also didn't know when I purchased it that it was toxic because it along with several other of the same type of root was in with the other aquarium-safe orniments in the fish department of Petsmart. I feel really bad too because it looked so nice in my tank! I am not sure for all orniments for Terrariums being toxic for aquarims. I only know that this particular one is/or can be. It didn't kill the little otto algae eaters that are in my tank, nor the snails nor the Axolotls. All it did was lose color and fade. I'm looking into other orniments to find out which are safe and not safe.