How often do you put your hands in your system/water?

If you want to strip your hands of its natural oils then wipe them down with acetone...yeah, the same stuff used to remove fingernail polish.

I look at it this way, the impurities introduced by my paw are minor; most will die in the saltwater; what lives adds that biodiversity and food; the world of nature is pretty resilient, they'll live.

 

I usually use latex gloves. I'm thinking that most contaminants are on the hands vs. the arms.

 

I do a surgical level scrub with a pumice stone for no less than 10 minutes and then a vodka rinse before I put on a pair of surgical gloves followed by....bahaha just kidding. I'm with Va reef. My hands are in the water several times a day and I do nothing special for prep. It's kinda shocking because I kind am ocd about most things in around my tank, but the hand thing I just can't be bothered.

One thing I did consider after watching a local is he does rinse his hands in vodka before putting them into his system. He has a very large system and he equates it to vodka dosing. Thought it was a great idea, but never followed through.

 

I try to not get in there unless it's needed. But, I do find my hands in the water a few times a week... It used to be a lot worse, but I try to do the multiple tasks at once deal. It doesn't always work.

I never used to wash my hands until this job and the constant hydraulic oil. That paired with a net on the top of the tank, it's like a loose restraint. If I take it off, I better not make a mess etc etc so I only lift to feed. haha

 

I put them in as infrequently as possible but this ends up being just about daily. I don't think it could add much harm but if you notice a visible change in your tank, I'd pay attention to that.

 

In 2017 it will be 30 years. No I do not think it caused the demise of any corals, do I think it causes mild stress perhaps.

I worry about the Mosquito spray, the sun screen, the dish soap. I thoroughly wash from my elbow to my hands. I should mention I was an RN for 15 years so it may have something to do with it.

I can considered gloves, but I hate them (again RN for 15 yrs) probably pulled on and off gloves about 1 million times, it is a good solution though.

Interesting. That is thinking out side the box.

Coral distributors have their hands in their frag tanks all day long, multiple peoples.

My gut tells me it's like any other living thing, too much handling is not beneficial, and it may not be detrimental but I do believe it is a mild stressor.

I can find a reason to tinker in my tank every single day, multiple times a day.



Day 2.

 

Go online and search breeding gloves. They are disposable and come up to your shoulder. I usually double them but "most" of the time when I take them off my hands are dry.

 

http://www.qcsupply.com/77015-band-a-sleeve-clear.html

 

^^ This. ^^

Also, IMO you're in more danger than your pets. Some release toxins into the water when disturbed. Should you have sensitive skin, or a cut or abrasion, you could get a nasty infection or worse.

 

i got a pretty bad burn from a condy a while back