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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/mizuri88 on 2024-06-16 19:37:39+00:00.

The current filter in my 30l aquarium does not create enough circulation so I had to switch it out for a different filter. Instead of just buying a new filter I figured, hey I still have a few small filters from a few years ago, why not use one of those.

The filter I ended up picking out was quite dirty so I figured I’d clean it to the best of my ability. Poured some hot water over it and added some dettol liquid to get rid of any mold and bacteria from sitting unused in a box for a few years.

Washed everthing off and put it in a bucket with clean water to get rid of any dettol residue. Left it to soak overnight.

Today I figured let’s add the filter I just cleaned, should be fine. I have to run it together with the filter already in the tank for a few weeks.

Couple hours later I notice my betta at the top of the water not really moving. Look further down in the tank and see my oto’s belly up on the gravel.

Panic sets in and I immediately start removing everything and everyone, put everyone in a cup with clean water and the oto’s cheer up after a few minutes. Did a 100% water change and swapped out the sponge of the ‘new’ filter for one that wasn’t washed with dettol.

Put all my driftwood in some fresh water to soak, so now I have a very empty tank with a very droopy betta that will hopefully still recover from this ordeal.

TL;DR: almost just wiped out my tank by adding a sponge filter cleaned with dettol liquid, still hoping my betta recovers from this.