Nail polish and the reef tank?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by kimberlee, Sep 14, 2011.

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  1. kimberlee

    kimberlee Flamingo Tongue

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    I've been ib this hobby for just over a year now and I have stopped doing my nails outside of filing and trimming. I don't have acrylics or use nail polish, I've been under the impression that it would be catastrophic to the tank to do so.

    Do any girls in the hobby paint their nails or wear acrylics?

    I've heard the polish is neutral after it drys, and is safe as long as there are no chips in the paint?

    If we can get away w/ doing our nails up are there any products that are safer than others, or any that should be completely avoided?

    Are there any extra steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of the tank?
     
    kimberlee, Sep 14, 2011
    kimberlee, Sep 14, 2011
    #1

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  2. Katie Grant

    Katie Grant Aiptasia Anemone

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    wow... i do but i never even thought about that befor
     
    Katie Grant, Sep 14, 2011
    Katie Grant, Sep 14, 2011
    #2
  3. Katie Grant

    Katie Grant Aiptasia Anemone

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    i paint my nails, but havent done acrylics since my tank has been up... but was planning on getting them done real soon. Now you have me thinking weather or not i should.. Maybe i Will then just make my boyfriend do all the dirty work :)
     
    Katie Grant, Sep 14, 2011
    Katie Grant, Sep 14, 2011
    #3
  4. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    Once dry it would be basically inert. I don't think you could leave your hand (or foot if you're strange) in the tank long enough for anything harmful to leach out of the polish.
     
    reefmonkey, Sep 14, 2011
    reefmonkey, Sep 14, 2011
    #4
  5. dpruitt7450

    dpruitt7450 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    That's y I don't let the wifey touch anything in the tank when she gets her nails done. :) if it's safe or not, still not taking the chance :)
     
    dpruitt7450, Sep 14, 2011
    dpruitt7450, Sep 14, 2011
    #5
  6. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

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    you should be wearing reef safe gloves anytime your putting your hands into the water for maintenance tasks anyway - my skimmer stops skimming for at least an hour any time I just dip my hand into the tank to adjust something.
     
    Telgar, Sep 14, 2011
    Telgar, Sep 14, 2011
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  7. lynnmw1208

    lynnmw1208 Skunk Shrimp

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    I think once the polish is dry you are safe. Just be sure there is not residual nail polish remover on your fingers as I think that wouldn't be good to put in.

    I also had a thought: what about makeup? I mean I wash my hands after applying makeup to my face but I wonder if it would be harmful if some got into the tank. I know at least it would cause diatoms because I believe makeup has silicates in it. Just goes to show you that we should all wear gloves or wash up really good before sticking our hands in. I know I have to wash lotion off me before doing anything.
     
    lynnmw1208, Sep 14, 2011
    lynnmw1208, Sep 14, 2011
    #7