Marine question.. Light hazards to
humans 10/6/08
Hi all, firstly let me say what a fantastic
resource this site is! I don't think I’ve ever failed to find the right answer
on WWM.... until now!
So the question, can viewing my aquarium at close
quarters damage my eyes or skin?
<Mmm, "if" using some types of metal halides
sans protective shields, you might, otherwise, only by long exposure... like a
mild "sun burn">
The reason I ask is because the intensity and wavelengths of
light (I run 234 Watts of T5 in 150 Litre tank) are not what can be called
"natural", and in my experience in situations like this the health and safety
bods would be recommending some sort of PPE to be worn! Furthermore, can T5's be
more harmful than halides?
<Not as far as I'm aware, no>
I'm first to
admit I spend unfeasible amounts of time observing my reef, so this question may
be of interest all the other like-minded pet stone keepers out there!
I
cannot find an answer anywhere in literature or on the web, possibly because
nobody is asking! If you have any knowledge in this area it'd be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks
Kevin W
<Relative to other sources of "trouble",
this one is vanishingly small. Not to worry. Bob Fenner>
Zoanthus vs. Palythoa vs. Protopalythoa:
Palytoxin 07/07/08
Hi WWM crew,
<Hello Brian! Sorry about the slow response, I was asleep at the wheel...>
I'm writing you about palytoxin because I so far cannot find concrete answers
about it anywhere and I have children and pets around my tanks.
<Yes...many stories, few facts available to the hobbyist>
This is my first letter to you all after many readings (including reading many
of your letters on Zoanthidea and palytoxin). I have a few quick questions and I
would appreciate any citations to additional resources you can give, the more
scientific the better. I'm trying to get hold of the Book of Coral Propagation
by Anthony and Corals and Coral Reefs by Eric Borneman since I hear they have
good info on palytoxin but no luck so far (they're expensive!).
<Calfo gives some anecdotal info that is helpful- cautionary - to the hobbyist.
If you're interested in scientific texts on palytoxins you might try a local
library or (preferably) a college library where you can gain access to scholarly
journals. Perhaps a search of scholar.google.com or JSTOR would be fruitful in
this area.>
(1) How can you tell the difference between a Zoanthus, a Palythoa, and a
Protopalythoa species of Zoanthidea? I would like to concretely identify what is
in my tank and learn how to ID future specimens.
<As I understand it, this largely relates to the common foot. As hobbyists
Zoanthus are the smaller, more colorful polyps sharing a foot; Parazoanthus
being larger, more distinctly carnivorous, and still sharing a common foot, and
the Palythoa/Protopalythoa being colonies of unconnected large polyps>
(2) Do all Zoanthidea species have palytoxin in them? I know that even within
Palythoa, not all specimens have palytoxin in them, but I'm wondering here
whether all 3 species have palytoxin or if, for example, Zoanthus are safe and
do not have it.
<All of these families may/do produce palytoxin and other organic poisons>
(3) If not all Zoanthidea have palytoxin, which ones do not have it?
<Can't be told based on appearance, unfortunately. We must suspect all...for
safety reasons>
(4) Where is the palytoxin actually "kept" in the Zoanthidea? Is it ever
released other than when the specimen is damaged or cut? How is it released
(I've read about it squirting out of Zoanthus but never seen anything on how
they actually release it)?
<It is held in the fluid of the mesophyl, exuded in mucous, as an allelopathic
compound.>
(5) Is palytoxin also harmful to other things in the tank (e.g. other corals,
fish, inverts, macroalgae, etc.)?
<Anything with nervous tissue, motor function>
(6) I have two Zoanthidea in my tank now that I was told, when buying them, were
Zoanthus. I knew nothing about palytoxins so didn't ask any questions beyond
that identification. They have spread off the original frag/rock/disc they came
on and some of the polyps are bridging the gap between the frag disc and the
live rock. If it turns out these are a species that sometimes contains palytoxin
I'll probably not keep them, the risk seems not worth it despite their beauty.
How should I go about removing them from the tank to minimize the risk of
palytoxin exposure?
<The only way to eliminate exposure would be to take the polyps and the rocks
they are on, bag them in garbage sacks, and dispose of them.>
I've taken up a lot of your time already, so I'll stop here. Thank you again for
your answers.
<Unless these creatures are handled, palytoxin poisoning is unlikely. If you are
concerned about colony size or a child reaching a hand in the tank, removing
these is probably prudent. DO take care in handling them (gloves, goggles, etc.)
especially if they have been severed or crushed.>
Sincerely,
Brian
<Benjamin>
Dragon Goby, Human Injury 6/9/08
Hi,
<Hello>
I am trying to research the dragon goby, but not for a fish tank. Recently,
while we were at Thassos, Greece, my daughter reached down to pick up what she
thought was a rock or a shell, but turned out to be a fish that had been resting
under the sand. (She was sure it was a sea snake that bit her.)
<Did it look like puncture wounds? If so I would guess it was stuck by spines as
opposed to bitten.>
It did cut her finger and resulted in a very painful and inflammatory reaction.
A doctor there came to give her an injection to help with the pain, and said it
was probably a dragonfish. Two weeks later, her finger is still swollen and is
now being treated medically. I want to find out more if the dragon goby could be
the fish that she touched.
<Unlikely, they would not be capable of inflicting such a would, I would guess
it was some sort of Scorpaenidae, many of which do have venomous spines and
could be mistaken for rocks.>
I am not finding very good information so far, and see that you have a lot of
expertise. Will you please help me by directing me to the right resources?
Please send information directly back to my email address. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa
<Some of these fish can be very dangerous, fortunately it seems as though the
injury here is pretty localized. Two weeks seems like a very long time to still
have significant injury, perhaps DAN (Diver Alert Network) could direct you to a
doctor familiar with dive related injuries, and may have familiarity with
something like this.
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/index.asp . Hopefully if Bob has any more
ideas he will add here, but I would definitely seek a medical professional
here.>
<Chris>
v tail
aggression
5/12/08
Hello crew
I have a 90 gal FOWLR setup with 2 dwarf lionfish and a 6 inch v tail grouper.
Every time I put my hand in the tank my grouper darts at me with super speed. I
cant rearrange my live rock I want to form more cave like formations. How can I
stop him from attacking me without injuring him? I do not want to damage my fish
do you have any suggestions?
<Have you tried/considered wearing gloves? -Sara M.>
May be Poisoned? 5/10/08
Hi, I was helping my boyfriend move his 12 gallon nano home today from school
and in the process I spilled some tank water on my leg that has an open cut. The
corals were all extremely irritated at being moved
and I’m sure they gave off some type of toxin in the process.
<Possibly, the zoos more than anything as far as toxins pertaining to effects on
humans.>
Its been about 10 hours and my leg is starting to hurt from my hip to my foot
almost as if its just a strained muscle. I thought at first that’s what it was
because we moved a lot of stuff today but that was until I
thought about the water being spilled on my leg where I had a cut. The corals in
the tank are Zoanthids, mushrooms, Ricordea mushrooms, Acans, Xenia, yellow
Toadstool Leather, and Frogspawn. I believe
that’s everything that’s in there. The pain in my leg didn’t start right away
but now its extremely sore. Its 2 a.m. where I am and I don’t know if I want to
wake my entire house to go to the hospital if it really
is just a sore muscle. I don't even remember cutting my leg so I’m not sure how
old the cut actually was once the water hit it.
<Even if there were toxins in the water, the dilution thereof should be of no
consequence. It is likely not related to the water spilling onto your leg other
than any possibility of an infection (even then not likely brought about by the
spill alone). I/we are not M.D.’s, if you have any concerns about your well
being, by all means do consult a physician, other concerns may be at play here.
I wish you the best, Scott V.>
Hermit crabs, human hlth. 5/1/08
Hi
I just have a few quick questions. My daughter is very ill and can not be around
any disease carrying pets someone suggested a hermit crab to her and she has
been searching to see if she can have one. Do they carry any diseases that can
be transmitted to humans?
<Mmm, not unless the human is badly challenged immunity wise... some waste
bacteria...>
Are they expensive to take care of?
<Mmm, no>
I hope to hear form you soon. I would like to purchase a couple as soon as I
know if they are safe for her because we don't know how much longer she will be
with us and I want to give her what ever she wants but sometimes I can't. She is
just recently without her dog due to this illness and now she just wants
something she can love. Also if they are safe where is the most reputable place
to buy them? I only have corporate pet stores near me like Pet smart and Pet co.
<Some of these (due to individual staff) are excellent. I would visit, engage
them in conversation... purchase a small book on Hermit husbandry, read it with
your child. Oh, and do read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/hermitcrabfaqs.htm
for some general care input>
Thank you
Valeri
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Zoanthids, palytoxin, human contact
4/9/08
Mr. Fenner,
I have a disease called scleroderma that effects my autoimmune process and need
to be cautious. I have read about the neurotoxin called palytoxin that occurs
with Zoanthid polyps. I read about the need for caution and it's effects but on
the other hand I get the impression its occurrence in the aquarium hobby seems
rare. With this in mind I have what I believe is a Zoanthid Palythoa that looks
like the common type with green polyps. I'm new to the hobby and need to know if
I have a serious concern. I intend to use gloves if the need comes to physical
touch it, but do I need to be concerned about making contact with the aquarium
water with my hands.
Your input will be appreciated.
Steve C.
<Mmm, always best to be cautious when dealing with Zoanthids... particularly in
handling directly, as in asexual propagation/cutting. I do advise that you,
actually most everyone wear good gloves whenever they place their hands in their
tanks... to prevent possible troubles for themselves during exposure, as well as
to disallow contamination. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Help - my son ingested Tri-start!! – 03/13/08
Hi
I have a fresh water aquarium and treat my water with Tri-start when I do a
water change. Today my two year old son got into my fish equipment cupboard and
had a sip of my tri-start. I panicked and called poisons info (I am in
Australia) but they couldn't find any information on the ingredients of
tri-start. They did eventually find one database that said water conditioners
are mostly sodium chloride. I was wondering if you could tell me if that is the
case, and if not, what the main ingredients are for Tri-start or similar
products.
So far my son seems fine but I am worried and surprised that manufacturers do
not have to list at least an active constituent. The poor man at poisons agreed
as it makes their job very difficult!
Thanks a lot. Hope you can help me.
Regards
Sarah
<Sarah, water conditioners -- dechlorinators -- are mostly sodium thiosulphate.
That's what you need to tell your medical practitioner. My understanding is that
sodium thiosulphate is relatively harmless unless consumed in large amounts,
though it is an irritant and emetic, and you should certainly get in touch with
your MD. Cheers, Neale.>
Skin Condition due to
Saltwater 3/12/08
I can't find an answer to my dilemma. Please help. Have you ever heard of
anyone getting a serious skin condition from exposure to saltwater?
<Yes... an "industry hazard"...>
My 125 gallon reef tank has a smell even though the water is clear. Seems like
an algae smell. My problem is that I am getting skin outbreaks & eye itching
that I can't help but think is coming from the aquarium. When I rub my eyes, I
think I smell "that smell" coming from my tear ducts. Any of this make sense?
<... Yes! Very important that you be extremely careful here... I would ONLY
place my hands in the system with long gloves on my hands... There are such for
many purposes... Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/Wound.htm
and esp. the linked FAQs files above. I would see a dermatologist re as well.
Bob Fenner>
Re: Skin Condition due to
Saltwater 3/14/08
Thank you!
<Welcome! I and many other friends in the trade have suffered dermatological
troubles from SW exposure... some can "get by" with lotions of different sorts
use... Others have had to learn to keep their hands/arms out of tanks entirely!
There are many possible negative interactions biologically as well to
consider... The best "remedy" are arm-length gloves of quality. Cheers, Bob
Fenner> |
IMPORTANT .....my cat drank
medicated fish water!! 01/26/2008
NEED INFO:
<<Hello, Andrew here>>
I turned my back for one second, and my cat was drinking the medicated fish
water I'd just prepared!
It was Furan (1/2 tablet in a 5 gallons of water) for 1 sick fish.
He couldn't have gotten more than a few licks......will this hurt him??
I've searched the net, and can't find any info
Thanks so much Carol Herard.
<<This medication is classed as not harmful by ingestion/swallowing. I would not
be overly concerned. Just keep fresh drinking water available for the cat.
<<Thanks for the question. A Nixon>>
Rabbitfish question, handling
12/15/2007
Hello.
I've got a one-spot Foxface Rabbitfish and we've had it for some time now. It's
doing well and growing like crazy.
We bought him in town and nobody told me that the spines could be dangerous.
<Oh yes>
Needless to say, we moved him between 3 tanks now and didn't know. I held him in
my hand at one point and even helped him get his gills going in the new tank
when the smaller tank he had been raised in crashed. (We had numerous newbie
fish disasters throughout the year, but everything is a+ stable now).
I am concerned after finding out that they are venomous, quite by accident,
because nobody took the time to tell us, knowing we were newbies.
I've searched the site thoroughly and read the Rabbitfish FAQs, and I see that
it mentions that they have a painful sting and are venomous. It does not,
however, tell you how venomous they are (from what I saw, but I may have missed
it somewhere) or if they are actually fatal, such as the lionfish can be.
<Somewhat less than Pteroines... more than bees... Can be dangerous to folks who
have aversion to proteinaceous stings>
I am concerned, needless to say, because he's grown to about six inches long and
he's quite the boss of the big tank, with the exception of a few of our tangs,
who rule the roost.
Thank you
<I too have hand-handled many Siganids... one just needs to be careful to keep
their hands away from the spiny (anterior) portions of their dorsal and anal
fins... Bob Fenner>
Snowflake Eel Bite –
11/28/2007
Hi!
<Hello.>
I have read through the posts on snowflake morays. I could not find an answer to
my question. I care for a 300 gallon tank at the junior high where I teach
science. I have had a snowflake eel in my home aquarium and have never had a
problem like this. Today while trying to feed the inhabitants of the tank, at
school, the snowflake eel was wildly thrashing in and out of the tank. I had
some silversides for him and the lion fish so I grabbed one with me fingers to
give him (I know, not recommended ) anyway, he latched onto my finger and would
not let go without some coaxing. After he let go I had several small piercings
in my finger, and was bleeding. I cleaned the injury with peroxide, but was
wondering - do they carry any weird bacteria that could be infectious.
<Several dangerous bacteria have been found in the mouths of moray eels, among
them Vibrio and Pseudomonas. If the wound swells, is becoming severely red or
you feel insecure about what to do, visit a medical doctor. In addition many
(probably all) moray eels possess a weak toxin produced by club shaped cells in
their skin, that might be transferred by a bite. Dizziness and tremendous pain
are reported symptoms, but the toxin is so far not considered very dangerous
(perhaps only to allergic persons).>
I don't know where else to seek an answer.
<The aquarium magazine TFH had an article on moray bites in its September issue.
Possibly will be at WWM some day, too.>
Living in Cheyenne, Wyoming doesn't afford me a wealth of expert advise.
<So far I am not aware of anyone, who died due to a moray eel bite, but I am
aware of some people, who had to go to the hospital, some because of infection,
some because of massive loss of tissue (larger eels). Although most moray eel
bites heal without infection and further problems, I’d stop hand feeding.
Fingers and silversides are not the healthiest diet anyway. Clam and mussel
meat, squid and crustaceans should be used to alter the diet.>
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
<Hope that helps. Cheers, Marco.>
Human Lung Disease?
11/26/07
Dear Dr. Fenner,
<Just Bob please... I have no doctorate>
Friday I spent several hours cleaning my sump, pumps, heaters etc. Most of this
time was spent hunched over the garage sink with a lot of water vapor rising up
into my face. That evening, my lungs felt inflamed. The next day (yesterday) a
cough developed and then a high fever followed with all of the usual aches and
pains associated. The reason I am writing is because there seems to be a very
clear correlation between the cleaning of the sump and the rapid onset of this
illness. I read the article posted on your site regarding aquariums and human
health, and most of it seemed related to skin infections. Do you know of
diseases of the lungs caused by the inhalation of bacteria commonly found in
substrate? If so, I would greatly appreciate any references.
Best wishes to you all,
Brad in Basalt
<I do not... but do encourage you to seek out medical attention if you are
concerned... I wish you good health. Bob Fenner>
Fire Coral, human hlth.
11/15/07
Just reading your article on fire coral. You mention about getting stung and
the treatment, you should also mention that extreme caution should be exercised
also, some people like me have extreme allergy to fire coral which can land
people like me in hospital, it is not just ouch. I am starting up the salt again
soon and I shall do what you say and use gloves at all times. Also I do not know
if you mention any other corals that can sting, I know for someone like, I must
exercise extreme caution in the hobby now. By the way I do love your site
and your articles, they are very helpful in giving information and giving
advice. Cheers Richard South
<Thank you for your input here. Will add/share. Cheers, Bob Fenner... always
watching out for Milleporines UW>