How to deal with dead dog face pufferfish

[swampflower]

I am in the process of moving, I check in on my fish every two days at least. I came back to the power off, my dogface pufferfish (Subway) passed away at the bottom. I am struggling to find answers on exactly how to safely dispose of the contents of the tank and Subway himself, as I understand the water is likely filled with toxins. Looking for answers on that.

 

[rayadog]

Just thinking out loud here but a bunch of carbon. Idk if you’re able to safely let standing water evaporate in a container inside/outside (preferably) somewhere. And thirdly, maybe portions of water and cat litter to dispose of the water?

Fwiw if you submerge a whole siphon tube under water then cap one end, pull it out and put it to where ever you want to drain it is a sensible way to establish siphon. Masks, eyewear and gloves would be best friends; longsleeves too.

Mostly just thinking of how to disposed of paint, i.e. let it dry out or get soaked up by something that’s easier to throw away.

 

[EliMelly]

Big water change, skimmer, carbon, throw the puffer out in the garbage.

Sorry for your loss.

 

[flinster]

What toxins re you worried about? From the dead puffer? Are you on sewer or septic?

 

[dank.reefer]

I am sorry for your loss. I would grab the puffer in a plastic bag, the same way you would pick up a dog turd in the park. Then you can just seal up the bag and dispose of the dearly departed friend however you see fit.

Once that is done do some water changes add some carbon and give the tank a little while to settle to make sure it doesn't mini cycle and cause more issues for your surviving livestock.

 

[swampflower]

What toxins re you worried about? From the dead puffer? Are you on sewer or septic?

Yes the tetrodotoxins from the pufferfish. I am on septic

 

[flinster]

What toxins re you worried about? From the dead puffer? Are you on sewer or septic?

Yes the tetrodotoxins from the pufferfish. I am on septic

Perhaps I’m wrong, but I think you’re overthinking it.

 

[dank.reefer]

Yes the tetrodotoxins from the pufferfish. I am on septic

I would be more concerned with the ammonia in the water than the tetrodotoxins. Unless the fish is significantly decayed the toxins should be mostly contained within him. The only significant risk here IMO would be through ingestion so any livestock that may have taken a bite may be at risk. Just bag him up and dispose of him in the trash, do not put him in your septic system or in your yard where the toxin can be leached or possibly comsumed by pets or wildlife.