I have a 55 gal tank with live sand, live rock (70 lbs) and some fish (3 tangs, 2 clownfish) and hermit crabs, snails, etc. I want to add some corals and make it look cool but I have recently read several articles talking about toxic zoanthids, etc. I want to be able to stick my hand in the tank without fear of getting sick/dying yet I want some some cool looking stuff. My question is...what can I put in my tank that isn't toxic/dangerous? Are zoos the only toxic corals? Thanks in advance.
Toxic stuff?
- Thread starter jjsolomon
- Start date
sir_dudeguy
Active member
IMO i would be more worried about those 3 tangs in a small 55 gallon tank than i would about any corals. I've touched and seen many people touch zoos w/no problem. I have also however head that there are some like what you described and that people who have them just use those latex medical gloves (only dont use the ones w/that powdery stuff on the inside)
philagothos
New member
Zoos are certainly the most toxic, but generally as long as you don't try eating them you should be ok. Just go to your local vet and get some of the elbow length rubber gloves they use to help deliver horses and such and where them whenever you reach in the tank.
Regardless of what kind of corals you should never reach into the tank barehanded (though most everyone does, myself included) and always make sure you wash real well after you are done playing. Also, if you insist on reaching into your tank barehanded be absolutely certain you don't have any cuts or scratches before going in.
As far as I know zoos are the only coral of serious concern (but I'm certainly no expert). Even if you go with corals that are generally safe there will always be other little nasties in there that can cause some pain such as bristleworms and who knows what else.
HTH,
-Kevin
PS: Three tangs in a small tank will end up killing them and getting the Tang Police after you. Eating zoanthids will kill you leaving all of your tank inhabitants to die, so I would be a little more concerned about that.
Regardless of what kind of corals you should never reach into the tank barehanded (though most everyone does, myself included) and always make sure you wash real well after you are done playing. Also, if you insist on reaching into your tank barehanded be absolutely certain you don't have any cuts or scratches before going in.
As far as I know zoos are the only coral of serious concern (but I'm certainly no expert). Even if you go with corals that are generally safe there will always be other little nasties in there that can cause some pain such as bristleworms and who knows what else.
HTH,
-Kevin
PS: Three tangs in a small tank will end up killing them and getting the Tang Police after you. Eating zoanthids will kill you leaving all of your tank inhabitants to die, so I would be a little more concerned about that.
sir_dudeguy
Active member
which is why i said that. Nothin against you at all, as lots of newbies either go by the lfs's advice, who just want to sell stuff, or they just dont even think about tank size.
no tang, imo, should be kept in a 55. even most young ones shouldnt be, as they all need lots of swimming room.
GlobaLPimP
New member
It's always sad to see 5 to 10 tangs circling inside a 10 or 20 gallon tank in a store....
