Are soap/sunscreen/ lotion dangerous to fishes?

[Barry Tetra]

Recently I wash my hand like 20 times a day cause of coronaviruses and OCD, are soap dangerous to fishes?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Recently I wash my hand like 20 times a day cause of coronaviruses and OCD, are soap dangerous to fishes?

This is a controversial question. Many people say that it’s fine to wash your hands right before dealing with fish and yet a many other people disagree with that fact.

I believe that soap is dangerous for fish. So if you want to wash your hands, wash them first. Then run your hands under hot water for about 30 seconds. If you have a big tank, then it really won’t affect the fish.

 

[Colin_T]

Are soap/sunscreen/ lotion dangerous to fishes?

Yes.
Soaps can break the surface tension of the water and this allows dissolved gasses in the water to come out when they shouldn't.

Some soaps have perfumes added and these are toxic to aquatic life.

Anti-bacterial soaps leave a residue on the skin that is poisonous to fish, shrimp and other aquatic organisms.

Sunscreens are toxic and wash off in water.

Lotions, perfumes, deodorants, hair spray, moisturising creams, etc are all toxic to fish.

Oils, grease and anything used for cleaning car parts are all toxic to fish.

------------------
Try to use a soap that does not have perfume.
Wash your hands and arms with water only, before working in an aquarium.
Avoid getting chemicals on your hands before working in tanks.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

So yes. Try to find soap that doesn’t have perfume in it.

 

[Waterstrider]

Antibacterial soaps are not specific to terrestrial bacteria necessarily so might restart your bacteria cycle also

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Antibacterial soaps are not specific to terrestrial bacteria necessarily so might restart your bacteria cycle also

I wouldn’t think it would be that powerful.

 

[FishGuest5123]

I wouldn’t think it would be that powerful.

You’d have to dip your hands in the tank with the soap still on them. Hope if you use anti-bacterial soap that you only use a small amount because it’s bad for the skin and also removes good bacteria. As a nurse, I don’t use it, myself.

 

[Byron]

As Colin noted, almost any substance we might have on our hands is detrimental to fish. But the answer is simple...before placing your hand(s) in an aquarium, always wash your hands thoroughly under warm running water for several seconds, with no soap or similar products, just water, and then thoroughly dry them on a clean towel or paper towels.

You should always wash your hands with soap/disinfectant after they have been in the aquarium as there are diseases transmittable from fish to humans, and some are not pleasant.

 

[Waterstrider]

I wouldn’t think it would be that powerful.

I think it depends on the size of the tank

 

[Waterstrider]

Keep in mind, the scent, especially certain plant oils are sometimes more toxic to certain animals then the soap itself

 

[Retired Viking]

I have been trying not to go into my tanks lately with all the soap and sanitizer we have been using, babysitting my 7 month old grandchild and now because of the latest flu virus. I alwayswash my hand before and after I put my hands in the tanks and really rinse them off before I reach into the tanks to make sure no soap makes it into the tanks.