Important question

grant778

grant778

Member
So when I did my water change yesterday my hands were soaked with fish water and I had touched various door knobs with them. I am very OCD with germs and stuff and am aware that fish water contains bacteria that can be harmful so I lathered antibacterial soap over the door knobs after I was done. I am now thinking ahead and realize that I will be using those same door knobs during my water change next week. I don't want to expose the fish to antibacterial soap so I am wondering how long it takes for the antibacterial soap to wear away or no longer become harmful. Or do I need to rinse the doorknobs with water or something?
In the future I will probably cover the doorknobs with plastic bags or something...
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
You should be covering your hands with plastic gloves. You don't want the bugs in the water finding a cut or cracked skin and you don't want the contaminants on your hands getting into the water.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Don't grab the doorknobs with the rubber gloves and you won't have to worry.
Truthfully, any kind of soap would be harmful so everything that goes into your tank needs to be clean (no soap).
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Hi,
I would also like to add...be sure to get the NON-POWDERED gloves. Always rinse your hands before you even put gloved hands into a fish tank. Bleach is your friend, a rag saturated with 1/4th cup of bleach per gallon ... kills all germs instantly, and the beauty of it is the chlorine dissipates quickly, as long as the surface has dried, it's safe.
 
deejeff442

deejeff442

Active Member
just wait till you swallow some water from trying to start the syphon for a water change.even better when there is gunk in the tube.
 
deejeff442

deejeff442

Active Member
i am guessing there is something that sucks water out without sucking on the tube right?i aint that old but i am far from a kid .
 
grant778

grant778

Member
Well I shall pour some water over the doorknobs and try not to touch them much. I will also wear some powder free gloves and use the bleach to clean next time. Thanks for all the advice.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by deejeff442 http:///t/395809/important-question#post_3524869
i am guessing there is something that sucks water out without sucking on the tube right?i aint that old but i am far from a kid .
You put a bunch of tubing into the tank so that it fills with tank water, put your thumb over the hole on the dry end, pull the tubing out of the tank so that the water in the tube is lower than the water in the tank, lower your thumb into the bucket and quickly release your thumb from the tubing.
Try it, you'll like it.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
I prefer vinegar for cleaning tank stuff. Bleach is fine as long as you give it a little time to evaporate. Vinegar is harmless to a saltwater tank so no need to wait.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///t/395809/important-question#post_3524882
I prefer vinegar for cleaning tank stuff. Bleach is fine as long as you give it a little time to evaporate. Vinegar is harmless to a saltwater tank so no need to wait.
Vinegar is good for cleaning tanks because, as a weak acid, it will dissolve calcium and other salt deposits. It is not a very effective disinfectant. Bleach is an outstanding disinfectant, but won't dissolve salt deposits. It depends on what you want to accomplish.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeriDoc http:///t/395809/important-question#post_3524890
Vinegar is good for cleaning tanks because, as a weak acid, it will dissolve calcium and other salt deposits. It is not a very effective disinfectant. Bleach is an outstanding disinfectant, but won't dissolve salt deposits. It depends on what you want to accomplish.
Yeah, you're right. I'll defer to that wisdom.
 
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