can you use a regular human thermomiter for a fish tank?

Question

i wanted to use a thermomiter like you would use if you had a fever to measure my fish's water temp. is this safe? the thermomiter has meatalish thing at the tip

Answer 1

No, human thermometers are not made for water environments, just like a candy thermometer isn't made for human use. And, that "metalish" thing at the tip is filled with mercury and if broken, is highly deadly to humans and fish.

Answer 2

Yes, of course, the thermometer doesn't know into which orifice it is placed. It simply reads the temperature. If it is a rectal thermometer, and has been used as such, there is a danger of introducing e-coli bacteria into the fish tank, and/or if it is not adequately cleaned following the tank usage, it could spread whatever bacteria is in the tank to your body.

For a small investment simply get a Fish Tank designated thermometer. They sell ones that stick to the glass and give you the temperature constantly.

Hope I didn't offed you in any way, but just wanted you to know that your health is worth more than the cost of a new thermometer.

Ricky

Answer 3

No, for so very many reasons.

Typically human thermometers go from about 90 deg F-110 deg F...not the range you need. 2nd, if it did go that low, it wouldnt be accurate, 3rd, who knows what kind of germs are living on that thing that are safe for you because your body kills them, bit not safe for the fish, 4th, who knows what kind of stuff you can get on the thermometer from the water that you would then put in your mouth.

Aquarium thermometer arent very expensive, I got a floating one for $3 at Wal-Mart and it works perfectly. and the long sticker kind are only a dollar or two. Please go buy one so you can take care of your fish.

Answer 4

No you can't, the temperature range is all wrong.

BTW, mercury is no longer used in human, food or animal thermometers. Today we use an alloy of gallium, indium, and tin as it is far less toxic and does not constitute a health threat.

MM