Petrol in fish pond - help!!

pinkzebra

We have just had some trees pruned in our garden, one of which was slightly hanging over our fish pond. They used a petrol chainsaw to cut the trees, and a couple of drops of petrol must have somehow dropped into our fish pond below.

There is only a few drops, not loads, but I am wondering what to do. The middle of the pond is frozen, so the petrol bit is staying around the edge at the moment. Is there any way of removing it? I can't imagine it not affecting our fish, so I am keen to sort it out ASAP.

Many thanks

DKLS

If you cant spoon it off how about using straw or an absorbent material to soak the petrol up and disposing of it elsewhere.

pinkzebra

DKLS wrote: »

If you cant spoon it off how about using straw or an absorbent material to soak the petrol up and disposing of it elsewhere.

Thanks, I didn't think about using straw.

kazwookie

Just don't swallow if you do!!

darich

oil/petrol always floats so why not do what they do to round up an oil slick - use a boom that floats on the water and gather it all to one point to collect it. alternatively why not simply soak it up with an old towel or cloth?

dianetheartist

Kitchen towel should do the trick i would think-it will draw it up like a wick.

ailuro2

I agree - mop up as much as you can without mixing the petrol in, drain off the water round the edge - a turkey baster would be safer for you, or 'dilute' the water with dechlorinated water then scoop it out with a jug.

you're right to be concerned - the slightest amount of petrol would very likely harm your fish. Glad you were keen eyed and spotted it before the thaw comes.