Okay, this is probably a really dumb question, but here it goes. Is it okay for me to put my hand in tank with fish inside? Do I need to wash hand?? This is a freshwater tank (the first I've ever had) and I don't want to kill fish, but one of the small plastic plants that was in tank came loose and was floating around. The fish seemed disturbed by this, so I picked it out, but I want to put it back in...I know that with saltwater tanks you cannot just stick your hand in, is this okay for freshwater??? Any help is much appreciated.
2006-06-24 15:24:37 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
It shouldn't hurt as long as you wash your hands first. Just make sure you rinse them thoroughly. You wouldn't want to get any soap in the water.
2006-06-24 15:28:20 · answer #1 · answered by lj1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like with saltwater tanks/fish, you have to be mindful of your hands. You have to make sure that they don't have hand lotion, shaving lotion, soap residue, oil residue, what-have-you on them when you put them in the fish tank. This residue can leach into the water and kill the fish. Fish are very sensitive to foreign substances. I don't know if this is correct or not, but when I had an aquarium and had to work in the tank, I'd rinse my hands real well in warm water, then put a little baking soda on them and rub them together and then rinse them off again real well to clean my hands and neutralize whatever might be on them. Wash your hand well after, too, for your sake.
2006-06-24 22:37:08 · answer #2 · answered by Darby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes just wash your hands with water only. soap might get left on your hands that could hurt fish. The fish will only be freaked out for a little while but will settle down. They like the plants to hide behind when there scared.
2006-06-24 23:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by tamara c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wash your hand first - make sure to rinse it WELL! make sure not to get any article of clothing inside. fish are very resilient. so don't worry about this. special note: when you notice your tank is low in water, don't fill it up all the way. the water must be filtered in order for the water to be cleaned, and the temperature must be just right for the fish to survive. room temperature water, 2 cups a day until your tank is full again should suffice. (I know that this wasn't what you asked, but I just felt that you may need to know :-))
2006-06-24 22:33:51 · answer #4 · answered by likmytulips 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. Usually washing your hands with hot water will wash away any thing that might upset the water.
I work at a fish shop and we do this on a daily basis. I also out my hands in my fish tanks at home.
It doen't harm the fish.
2006-06-24 23:19:26 · answer #5 · answered by Miss. Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I stick my hand in the fish tank all the time.when I clean it. I wash my hands before and afterwards. I have seen them do it at the pet store as well.
2006-06-24 22:29:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fish are made to live in dirty water. Ever swam in a lake? But washing your hands might be a good idea anyway. Oh, and afterwards, wash them again.
2006-06-24 22:29:25 · answer #7 · answered by daveduncan40 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is fine to put your hand in the tank. Or to add more items to the tank. Just be sure your hands or items are clean.
2006-06-26 17:36:02 · answer #8 · answered by dgraham302000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a tank.. and yeah you can put your hands in the water.. but afterwards wash them with antibacterial soap.
2006-06-24 22:29:25 · answer #9 · answered by swiper_no_swiping2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
o.o Yesh, it's ok to put your hand in the tank just as long as you wash your hand thoroughly so there's no soap in it. ^^ Fish are nervous to begin with so don't worry about them getting too distressed just as long as you don't start touching them or running them in the water XD
2006-06-24 22:35:02 · answer #10 · answered by Meeko 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋