Tank maintenance

[underpar]

When there is a need to put one's hands in the tank, how should they be cleaned? It is my understanding that washing with soap is problematic.

Thanks, Fred

 

[meco65]

Try these.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...x=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=2004&Nty=1

 

[papagimp]

I just use soap. Heavy industrial stuff since I'm a grease monkey and constantly have filthy hands when I get home from work. Havn't had any problems yet. Just make sure there well rinsed off.

 

[underpar]

Thanks!

The wader gloves seem like they might be rather clumsy for handling delicate corals. Am I wrong?

Fred

 

[papagimp]

Underpar, I dont' know because I've never used them, but I have never used them for that reason, they look like they'd be clumsy. My GF uses some non powdered vinyl gloves when she's gotta work in the tank, I use my good ol' bare hands. But I'm not as sensitive to the stings of my corals as she is...and some people can be very sensitive at that, take caution. Just because they don't bother me know, doesn't mean I won't find one eventually that puts me in the hospital with a baseball glove sized hand.

 

[meco65]

Good point.

 

[Sk8r]

Non-powdered surgical gloves are best.

If you have to reach in, think about: hand lotions previously used; hand soap; what household cleaners you've touched; bathroom soap; handling laundry with some sort of dryer sheet used---personally I won't use a dryer sheet in a house with a tank OR children---and carpet that's had carpet cleaners, etc. Wash your hands and give them a long, long rinse. Ivory soap has no perfumes or added oils or softeners.

 

[gummi]

I use aqua gloves but they are clunky. You can't 'feel' anything.

If my hands go in, I wash with freshwater or vinegar because a lot of soaps are antibacterial....

 

[Gdevine]

Just go to any LFS and see how much their bare hands and arms are in their tanks! WOW!

I ALWAYS rinse my hands and arms and scrub them down with tap water for a bit of time to rinse off anything on my hands that could be of risk to my tank.

I ALWAYS think if I have cologne on my hands, Windex even pool water residue since it's high in chlorine...things like that.

 

[Nano Chris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10185837#post10185837 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by meco65
Try these.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...x=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=2004&Nty=1

I use them when i need to do something around my anemone, or moving lr, if I'm placing a coral in the tank, i might just go gloveless because its hard to get a good grip on some things, or you just grip them too tight, sometimes when cleaning the glass i use them, but sometimes they get in the way...

 

[marduc]

I always glove up before putting my hands in, Yeah the aqua gloves are a bit clumsy and thick, but that is why I also have a pair of 7" stainless forceps on hand to grab anything that requires a bit more precision. Never really had any overly complicated problems from their clunkiness.