Does your hand change anything?

B

blankenship

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Sep 27, 2004
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Hi,

Since my tank is new, and I'm not quite happy with the layout I'll be moving things around. I was wondering if having my hands in the tank will effect the cycling, and after I put fish in will I effect the fish at all?
 
Make sure to clean your hands well with as hot of water as you can stand and no soap. That is the best you can do. And make sure wash your hands well after having them in a tank.

It shouldn't really affect the cycle to any degree. And you shouldn't worry too much about the fish. Give them hiding spots so they can run and hide if they need to. My fish sometimes come up and explore my hands. Other of my fish hide until I go away.
 
Your hand won't, but you should rinse your hands very well in hot water--no soap! before playing in tha tank. Chemicals and oils from soaps and lotions will not be beneficial for the fish or tank.

Once you have fish, you will need to be careful when you re-arrange to make sure you don't pin a fish under something, or startle it into ramming the glass.
 
Nothing should be hurt by putting your hands in your tank. Just be sure your hands are really clean, no lotion, chemicals or soap residue. I rinse my hands under running water for quite a while before sticking them in any tanks.
 
somewhere, somtime, someone mentioned scrubbing your hands and arms with salt under hot water before plunging into your tank. I've taken to that a bit and have not had any trouble. Most fish hide on the opposite end of the tank, but some of the barbs will actually come by for a taste while i'm working.
 
I use field dressing gloves sold at almost every outdoors/hunting store. 99cents a pair and they go up to your shoulder and most are "sanatized" so you you have to worry about them being coated with a bad chemical.
 
I try to wash my hands, but you don't have to get neurotic about it. Just make sure your hands are reasonably clean. If you've been around any kind of pathogens, wash and rinse extra well.

Jim
 
i have never had any ill effects on my tank after sticking my hands in, but i have had ill effects on my hands. if i put them in there too much my fingers get kind of itchy and start to peel. i am not sure why this might be, i wash my hands well afterwords. also, some fish will come over and bite your fingers, it is kind of cute. back when i had cichlids, one of them got so mad about my hand invading his territory that he repeatedly attacked my hand. he was only 1 inch long. :rolleyes:
 
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