Manicure

[CStrickland]

How long do you guys think I ought to wait before I put my hands in the tank after I paint my nails? Till they don't smell anymore or what? I'm getting sleepy but I haven't fed my sun coral yet.

I use a fancy top coat that has toluene in it, which is probs extra bad

 

[OrQidz]

I don't know the answer but I gave up on painting my nails ages ago. They're nice for about half a day before I go digging in the tank or in one of my vivariums. Fancy nails and me just don't go together! I would think once they're dry it should be ok. Interesting question!

 

[CStrickland]

Hehe yeah. That's why I need the toluene, it makes them really strong. Otherwise they chip right up because I can't keep my hands out of anything

 

[OrQidz]

Oh, I've just been lacking the toxic chemicals! You need one of those really long feeding devices. Like a turkey baster but designed for the purpose.

 

[CStrickland]

Yes, 1.5 feet long. Should've mounted it a little higher for easier tending...

 

[Lfunnyfarm]

I would wait until I couldn't smell the chemicals. You should be safe at that point.
Toluene is used as a solvent, among other things, and people inhale it to get high. But Toluene is not water soluble.

 

[CStrickland]

That's good to know, thanks. I wound up skipping feeding that night just to be safe. Better they go to bed hungry than get poisoned

 

[johnike]

Hehe yeah. That's why I need the toluene, it makes them really strong. Otherwise they chip right up because I can't keep my hands out of anything

Have you tried gelatin supplements for nail health?

 

[CStrickland]

I heard those are good, I think because they are a protein source? It's not that my nails aren't strong though, it's more that I want to have it both ways. If you want to have pretty girl nails, and also do lots of not so pretty playing, special measures are required. Also, I'm really lazy and don't want to have to fix up my nails during the work week.

Most girls pick one or the other, like orquidz said. But I am stubborn because I must be cute but also I have dogs to wrassle and coral to feed and nephews to play with. Yay for toxic chemicals!

 

[johnike]

:beer:

 

[Misled]

Even though the smell is gone, they may take up to 24 hours to fully cure.

 

[BigEZ77]

Wouldn't gloves help? I have the kind that go up to the shoulder...that might work.