Why you should wear gloves

snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
So, last night I was moving my live rock over from my 20g system into the 75g system. I was moving rocks around with an ungloved hand. Yeah.
So, I was moving and grabbing and reaching and the next thing I know, my ring finger on my right hand was throbbing in pain.
I immediately dropped the rock that I had in my hand to look at the reason why my finger was hurting. Knowing enough about reefkeeping and live rock, I was horrified at the idea that I could have been stuck or stung by something that may make me go into cardiac arrest or make my hand rot off. So, I did what I could to relieve the pain in my finger and put on neoprene gloves and went back to work moving the live rock over.
I picked up the rock that I was working with and turned it over and found this...

This fireworm was huge! Approximately a little over 4" long. My crappy iPhone camera doesn't do this little guy justice. He was very impressive - and as you can imagine, I analyzed him with much appreciation. Beautiful little creature. But, I didn't want him in my new tank so...

I was able to get half of him out of the rock on one side. The other side I was able to cut off the "head" and poked the toothpick down in the hole to kinda "take care of the rest."
My finger doesn't hurt today, thankfully. Never the less - it did scare me, and taught this reefer that you should always wear gloves.
 
S

saxman

Guest
That's exactly how I got popped by a BW...picked up a rock, BW under rock, bang (I'm sure you've seen the photo of my "fuzzy" finger).
As for wearing gloves, it's all about what gives you a warm fuzzy. Do I wear gloves, personally? Nope. Will I wear gloves? Nope. I really prefer to be able to feel what I'm doing, but again, it's personal preference. Besides, gloves won't help against scorp spines anyhow...

Glad your finger isn't hurting.
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
I am about 50/50 on if I wear a glove whenever I put my hand in the tank. Sometimes if I just need to flip a snail, or put an algae sheet on the clip I usually will not wear a glove. BUT if I am ever going to pick something up I wear a glove. EVERY TIME!! But that is just me. To each his/her own. I would rather not have to deal with a BW sting.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Meowzer uses tongs...however one person on the site has super skin and fears no BWs, says he just picks them up barehanded and thinks I'm full of you know what for saying to use gloves because they sting....oh well..to each his own as you said. I knew I wasn't crazy.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweatervest13 http:///t/393091/why-you-should-wear-gloves#post_3494285
I am about 50/50 on if I wear a glove whenever I put my hand in the tank. Sometimes if I just need to flip a snail, or put an algae sheet on the clip I usually will not wear a glove. BUT if I am ever going to pick something up I wear a glove. EVERY TIME!! But that is just me. To each his/her own. I would rather not have to deal with a BW sting.
Getting tagged by a Bristleworm is minor compared to other dangers in your tank. Just ask any old timer that has had a Mycobacterium marinum infection or been poisoned by Zoanthids.
 
morgan175

morgan175

Member
So when you all say gloves are you talking about the doctors gloves. The real thin ones or am i missing something.
 
S

saxman

Guest
Something more substantial than latex or nitrile. "Exam gloves" are thin so you don't lose your sense of touch, but won't do much against anything that may poke you (altho they should stave off a BW "attack").
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Doubled up nitrile gloves work pretty good. If I know my rock is *relatively* free of creatures, I won't wear gloves at all. This is the first time I have ever been stung/bitten/stuck before. Makes me think twice now about sticking my hand in the tank without gloves. I've been in the hobby for YEARS and haven't ever been stuck until now. I hope that this isn't an omen. lol
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by morgan175 http:///t/393091/why-you-should-wear-gloves#post_3494343
Its that dark Louisiana magic comin for you. Thanks for the explanation going to buy a box soon.
lol, ok. Be sure you get powder free gloves.
It's good to wear a pair when you handle corals as well. Some corals produce toxins (Like Zoanthids and protopalythoas) that can really make you sick if you handle them with any kind of open sore. .
 
S

saxman

Guest
Myco is a pretty nasty infection. The bacteria is pretty much in most systems to some degree. For you to become infected, the pathogen needs to enter your bloodstream via an open wound, such as a cut. One of the "giveaway" symptoms is a sore that won't heal. It's treatable, but it takes a LONG time to get over, even with strong antibiotics.
 
tannersmith200

tannersmith200

Member
Thanks Saxman
I have cut myself on rocks so many times. I am surprised have not gotten this type of infection yet.
The biggest thing that worries is me in this hobby is electricity even though I take precautionary measures to ensure proper grounding.
 
S

saxman

Guest
At least you find out about electricity pretty much immediately...
 
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