Palytoxin in zoos?

[janicebembry]

Now that I've fallen in love with zoos, I'm just hearing about palytoxin, and that there is no antibiotic for it. Who knows more about it? It surely sounds like a scarey thing. I know to wear gloves when I'm all in my tank, but gloves can get holes in them. If this palytoxin is so deadly, should anyone be selling or buying zoos? Am I being parranoid, or is this something to be really scared about? From what I've heard, it can enter your skin through just an abrasion, and go straight to your heart or lungs, etc. And like I've mentioned, there is no cure- it's the deadliest know substance to man. Please tell me I've been misinformed- don't want to have to chunk all my zoos!

 

[wangotango]

it's the truth; palytoxin is extremely deadly, but i think it is most associated with button polyps. deaths from them are very rare, and a lot of people handle them without gloves with no problems. just be careful.
-Justin

 

[bronco300]

again, it is true....but the chances are pretty low....thats why we always recommend wearing gloves when messing with zoos, and gloves and goggles when fragging any zoos as they can pop and squirt pretty easy....i've gotten it squirted in my eye once but nothing happened thankfully, but i was washing my eyes out like crazy...if you take precautions you should be just fine.

 

[bronco300]

OH, and dont you DARE chunk all your zoos...i will take them and let them be my burden before you go and kill them! they are my curse and forever shall be mine

 

[reefkprz]

https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/245173/the-truth-about-palytoxins
here is a thread about palytoxins. with proper precautions though there is very little actual risk.

 

[grumpygils]

I would be dead by now if it was a big issue?
Mc

 

[tsklaner]

So, I am new to this coral thing and as many sites recommend zoos as being great for beginners I decided to start there. I received my zoos today, and after doing more research today after handling them, with gloves thank god, I now am finding out that they can kill me. Great!

So, Ok, caution is key, I get that. My question is what is the possability of a poisoning occurring during a water change if the zoos are not touched, is the toxin in the water as well as being poisoned if you touch it? I know that not all contain the poison, but to be on the safe side I will assume it does. I do not intend to propagate the coral, and once I am done acclimating it over the next few weeks by slowly moving it to its final position, I don't intend to mess with it unless I have to, so just wanted to know if you have to directly touch the zoos or if the toxin can be in the water as well. I know the toxin is water soluble, so does it brake down in the tank water? I have had my tank set up for 3 months, and I am always sticking my hands in to mess with something or another, need to know if gloves are needed EVERY time I touch the tank now. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[colorado2step]

I have never had a problem with mine and they are button. I have moved them and touch them with out gloves onand no problems. just dont squeez them and you should be ok

 

[grabbitt]

Toxins from zoos will not kill you. The only reason why I would use gloves when handling corals is when I am fragging and when I am introducing a new (and decent-sized) piece of rock / coral to my tank, as to be cautious of hitchhikers.

 

[puffer32]

I use gloves when fragging zoos, just a simple precaution, why chance it. But my hubby always has his hands in a tank, moving stuff and picking zoos, polops up when he sells them to customer. I always yell at him to wear gloves. but hesays he can't take the time, i hope he never regrets that

 

[perfectdark]

I was in one of my LFS a guy was telling another about his bud who was fraggin a lot of zoa's and they were sitting out on his bench. Unfortunatly his dog thought it was snack time, and while he was in the bath room consumed a small cluster of them. Sadly his dog died... I was rather shocked to hear this. Just dont eat them I guess. I only heard this so no actual evidence was collected..

 

[peef]

I have been eating zoos for years and I am ok at least the goose that lives in my head says so!!!