Dangers of Owning a Nano Reef (or Why the @#$#% is My Finger Swelling?)
We've all gone down to the beach or ocean at one point in our lives and either stepped on something, brushed against something or went running out of the water after seeing a weird looking creature skitter by our foot in the water. Well, now we've brought a piece of the ocean right into our own living room. When we put our limbs in the tank, we are now in THEIR environment. What are some of the hidden dangers now lurking behind the glass in our living rooms?
Stings/Nematocysts
Many invertebrates have developed methods of defending themselves from attack, encroachment on their living space or even offensive uses to get food. Corals, eg, can do this by ejecting nematocysts, small capsules that can inflict a nasty sting. Other animals that do this are in a class called Cnidarians...jellyfish, anemones, etc. Invertebrates such as urchins can inflict a bee-like sting. Reactions can include burning, swelling, rashes or the extreme reaction of anaphylaxis.
Envenomation/Bites
Certain fish contain poison in their bites or in specially designed spikes in their dorsal fines. The most classic example is the lionfish. There is also a poison fang blenny which , if ingested, will bite the inside of the attackers mouth to effect an escape. Fingers can be targets. Again, reactions can vary from a mild sting to anaphylactic shock.
Ingestion of Toxins
Many soft corals secrete a slime layer, which, if not washed off the hands can enter the human body. Ingestion by mouth or contacting a cut are portals of entry. These toxins can cause extreme illness. Zoanthids are one in particular. See Navarre's pin in the corals section: http
/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=79056. If handling zoanthids ("fragging' them"), make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
Lacerations
Razor sharp dorsal fins or spines near caudal fins can cause nasty cuts. Surgeonfish and some tangs are good examples. Mantis shrimp can split your fingertip with their chelae (and down to the bone) if not handled carefully. Their chelae can smash thru shells and in some cases, aquarium walls.
Splinters/Bristles
Some invertebrates are protected by fine bristles, obviously, bristleworms are fine examples. Indiscriminatley handling live rock or coming in contact with the worm itself can result in severe burning, itching and local discomfort.
Electrical Shock
More than likely, this will not come from an animal in your nano tank but from your own house. Saltwater is an excellent conductor of electricity. Protect yourself when doing tank maintenance or feeding. Methods include:
The most important thing to remember is that any injury occurring in a marine environment can lead to infection...and the bacteria can be quite different from the regular bacteria we are used to in our normal lives. These wounds can also take MUCH longer to heal.
Use some smarts when sticking the hand in the aquarium:
1) Use gloves if possible if you have livestock that requires it or you are going to handle LR
2) Avoid sticking digits into blind areas
3) Don't buy livestock that you have no experience with if they are dangerous or poisonous and certainly don't stock them if you have small children in the house
4) Wash your hands after handling marine animals and invertebrates
5) Avoid doing tank maintenance if you have open wounds on your arms or hands
6) Siphon carefully if your tank contains potentially toxic livestock....start the siphon with a pump or by filling the tubing first
6) If you see any signs of infection...swelling, redness, pain, heat, chills, fever, etc..don't wait...get to the ER right away.
We've all gone down to the beach or ocean at one point in our lives and either stepped on something, brushed against something or went running out of the water after seeing a weird looking creature skitter by our foot in the water. Well, now we've brought a piece of the ocean right into our own living room. When we put our limbs in the tank, we are now in THEIR environment. What are some of the hidden dangers now lurking behind the glass in our living rooms?
Stings/Nematocysts
Many invertebrates have developed methods of defending themselves from attack, encroachment on their living space or even offensive uses to get food. Corals, eg, can do this by ejecting nematocysts, small capsules that can inflict a nasty sting. Other animals that do this are in a class called Cnidarians...jellyfish, anemones, etc. Invertebrates such as urchins can inflict a bee-like sting. Reactions can include burning, swelling, rashes or the extreme reaction of anaphylaxis.
Envenomation/Bites
Certain fish contain poison in their bites or in specially designed spikes in their dorsal fines. The most classic example is the lionfish. There is also a poison fang blenny which , if ingested, will bite the inside of the attackers mouth to effect an escape. Fingers can be targets. Again, reactions can vary from a mild sting to anaphylactic shock.
Ingestion of Toxins
Many soft corals secrete a slime layer, which, if not washed off the hands can enter the human body. Ingestion by mouth or contacting a cut are portals of entry. These toxins can cause extreme illness. Zoanthids are one in particular. See Navarre's pin in the corals section: http
/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=79056. If handling zoanthids ("fragging' them"), make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterward. Lacerations
Razor sharp dorsal fins or spines near caudal fins can cause nasty cuts. Surgeonfish and some tangs are good examples. Mantis shrimp can split your fingertip with their chelae (and down to the bone) if not handled carefully. Their chelae can smash thru shells and in some cases, aquarium walls.
Splinters/Bristles
Some invertebrates are protected by fine bristles, obviously, bristleworms are fine examples. Indiscriminatley handling live rock or coming in contact with the worm itself can result in severe burning, itching and local discomfort.
Electrical Shock
More than likely, this will not come from an animal in your nano tank but from your own house. Saltwater is an excellent conductor of electricity. Protect yourself when doing tank maintenance or feeding. Methods include:
- drip loops
- install a GFCI (ground fault circuit interruptor)
- wear rubber shoes, no bare feet
- keep surge protectors off the floor
- replace old/worn electrical equipment if necessary
The most important thing to remember is that any injury occurring in a marine environment can lead to infection...and the bacteria can be quite different from the regular bacteria we are used to in our normal lives. These wounds can also take MUCH longer to heal.
Use some smarts when sticking the hand in the aquarium:
1) Use gloves if possible if you have livestock that requires it or you are going to handle LR
2) Avoid sticking digits into blind areas
3) Don't buy livestock that you have no experience with if they are dangerous or poisonous and certainly don't stock them if you have small children in the house
4) Wash your hands after handling marine animals and invertebrates
5) Avoid doing tank maintenance if you have open wounds on your arms or hands
6) Siphon carefully if your tank contains potentially toxic livestock....start the siphon with a pump or by filling the tubing first
6) If you see any signs of infection...swelling, redness, pain, heat, chills, fever, etc..don't wait...get to the ER right away.
Might wanna rinse them under the tank (when there on) just quickly, because its common for them to come with talk on them. 
