always wear gloves!!!

[Jenna X]

I've started to use regular latex ones but read that vinyl ones works just as well.
From what I understand, its not the water itself that is dangerous. Well it is if you have an open wound and its not healed and you stick your hand in the tank.
The greater danger is getting an abrasion or a cut from a piece of Live rock. This immediate puncturing of the skin allows bacteria from the live rock to enter under the skin and leads to infection. I'm sure bacteria in the water will infect just the same but you would have to already have an open wound. And I don't think anyone will knowingly stick an open cut in the tank.
The gloves will help to protect in the case of abrasions.

I'll definitely keep that in mind. Better safe than sorry. I was just thinking I better have my student health ins. just in case, I've seen some pics online about the risks, although rare, of handling zoanthids.

That's rough @reefer4eva, I wouldn't wish that on anyone :/

 

[Tonyscoots84]

I have the squeeze bulb that starts the suction. Doesn't work so well and it leaks at the bulb which causes a mess. I also tried hose in the tank, but that spills some water as well.
The mouth siphoning is ideal. I did find an in-line pump online for sale that I am planning to purchase. It will assist with this task as well as allow me to clean out the dirt in my overflow chamber and in the sump.

I had no idea that our tanks can be this dangerous. I thought my experience was isolated. The OP made me realize the danger. And my MD don't want to prescribe antibiotics. He said to let it run its course!

But I'm more careful now when I'm doing water changes. Ensure my hands are clean/dry. No cuts, wear gloves, and don't swallow any water. And also when scraping bubble algae, be sure to scrape it away from your face.

your doc should of prescribed you antibiotics.... the bacteria in our tanks are very dangerous. if i have a cut on my hand i dont do anything but feed the tank until its healed 100%. its very scary when it comes to something we love so much. it teaches us to keep our hands out of the tank lol... :biglaugh: