Allergic?

[Perthegallon]

So when I put my hand in the tank for periods of time I pull out my arm and it hurts lightly what is happening am I allergic to what’s in the water?

 

[Copingwithpods]

Hurts in a tingling way or itchiness/dryness?

 

[El_Guapo13]

I am not sure of the reason, but not only have I read about this before in the forums, I myself have experienced this.

Might not necessarily mean you are having an allergic reaction. After all, there is a lot more int the tank water than just salt and water.

Maybe someone knows more about what causes it, but I myself just think that some people have extra sensitive skin. Like me.

Still, you should maybe consider wearing gloves when you put your hand in the tank. I myself wear gloves; partially due to the fact that I don't know what is in the water (with respect to microbes and such), partially due to not wanting to risk an open sore getting infected, partially due to not wnating to screw up the tank by getting soap residue and other chemicals on my hand into the water, but mostly due to not wanting to get bitten by that evil witch of a clownfish!!!

 

[Perthegallon]

Hurts in a tingling way or itchiness/dryness?

Sore way

 

[Copingwithpods]

Sore way

Hmmmm.... The reason I asked is I was suspecting stray voltage. I have elephant hide skin and nothing in my tank seams to affect me but my SO has highly sensitive skin. If she puts her hands in the tank she breaks out in a mild rash. Kinda like how some people get itchy when pond or lake swimming. But sore, I can't legitimately think of anything that would cause that unless you are working in the tank for extended periods of time. Could you describe what you feel a little more?

 

[Sophisticated Reefer]

A couple months ago I put my hand in the water and I freaked out because I thought I was getting shocked, after checking all my equipment and stuff I tryd again and got shocked again.... And then I realized Ive pulled my finger nail way too short and it was actually the salt irritating the skin under my finger nail...

Yes I also have irritated skin but I think it has to do with all the hand washing for the Corona virus what makes small wounds in my skin

 

[Perthegallon]

Hmmmm.... The reason I asked is I was suspecting stray voltage. I have elephant hide skin and nothing in my tank seams to affect me but my SO has highly sensitive skin. If she puts her hands in the tank she breaks out in a mild rash. Kinda like how some people get itchy when pond or lake swimming. But sore, I can't legitimately think of anything that would cause that unless you are working in the tank for extended periods of time. Could you describe what you feel a little more?

I did ground my tank the pain is like a sobing pain almost sore as if I just lifted something heavy and put it down it’s super light though

 

[Perthegallon]

A couple months ago I put my hand in the water and I freaked out because I thought I was getting shocked, after checking all my equipment and stuff I tryd again and got shocked again.... And then I realized Ive pulled my finger nail way too short and it was actually the salt irritating the skin under my finger nail...

Yes I also have irritated skin but I think it has to do with all the hand washing for the Corona virus what makes small wounds in my skin

This runs down my arm and doesn’t affect my hands

 

[Romeo Kilo]

Rash? One time occurance or reproducable? Whats in the tank?

 

[Richard Hercher]

A man goes to the Doctor and says, “Doctor, Doctor! It hurts when I put my arm over my head!” And the Doctor takes vitals, feels the joints and muscles in his arm, performs a battery of tests including xrays, MRI, and PET scan. Finally she hands the man a bill and a prescription. The prescription reads “Don’t put your arm over your head.”

“Sore” sounds like inflammation (I’m not a doctor, I don’t even play one on TV, so I won’t bill you for my diagnosis; you should try to schedule a wellness visit with a real medical professional, lots of virtual options now). Shock doesn’t make sense to me if it doesn’t affect your hand. If it’s also warm to the touch or Slightly red, yeah, I’d bet you are allergic. Gloves that go up to your shoulders are available, but maybe think about running more carbon: inflammation could be a reaction to some biological warfare being waged by your corals. Or skin irritation. Either way, gloves and Caron make sense to me.

Good luck! Don’t let your tank hurt you!

 

[Fernthereefer]

If I were to recommend,

I would test this on water taken outside of the tank, in a bucket during water change for example. Just to remove the possibility of stray voltage. Again, even if you think its grounded, then maybe its not (if you can test that directly the better).

On the other hand, do you keep Palyzoas? Can they be stressed currently? Do you run carbon?

Finally, sensitive skin is a possibility, and wearing gloves is always a good suggestion (do it myself). If it is allergy, then beware because sensitization leads to increased symptoms and even anaphylaxis. Although I doubt it is an allergy per se, rather a sensitive skin/atopy.

Good luck.

 

[AltitudeReefer]

I get sinus congestion after working in my tank. It lasts for weeks sometimes. If I just stick my hand in to move something or a quick feed, there’s no reaction. But when I work in the tank for extended periods of time, I get extremely stuffed up for a couple weeks. All I can do is assume it’s some kind of allergic reaction and try to limit my contact with the water. Antihistamines help, but not 100%. If I had to guess, I’d say you’re having a reaction too, to some kind of toxin or chemical.

 

[Reef_Obsessed]

Sticking my hands in the tank severely dries out my skin, consequently causing a rash on parts of my hands and wrist. I MUST wear gloves when doing any kind of maintenance. Do yourself a favor and buy some gloves.

 

[jjones]

I have a similar situation. Once I’ve been working in my tank, my arm will break out in a rash immediately after and will go away in about an hour.

 

[1stNoel]

I get sinus congestion after working in my tank. It lasts for weeks sometimes. If I just stick my hand in to move something or a quick feed, there’s no reaction. But when I work in the tank for extended periods of time, I get extremely stuffed up for a couple weeks. All I can do is assume it’s some kind of allergic reaction and try to limit my contact with the water. Antihistamines help, but not 100%. If I had to guess, I’d say you’re having a reaction too, to some kind of toxin or chemical.

I've started getting what feel like sinus infections after prolonged exposure to my aquarium.

I have 400 gallons in a 10' x 20' mancave. When I'm in there for extended periods of time, I start getting what feels like a sinus infection (with all the symptoms you've described). I've had the aquarium for over 5 years, and I don't recall having issues before. My tank evaporates about 4 gallons of water per day, and at times it feels very humid in the room.

Has anyone else dealt with this? The last thing I want to do is tear down the tank, but I won't have a choice if I can't actually enjoy the space.

Hoping for some helpful suggestions...

 

[Richard Hercher]

I've started getting what feel like sinus infections after prolonged exposure to my aquarium.

I have 400 gallons in a 10' x 20' mancave. When I'm in there for extended periods of time, I start getting what feels like a sinus infection (with all the symptoms you've described). I've had the aquarium for over 5 years, and I don't recall having issues before. My tank evaporates about 4 gallons of water per day, and at times it feels very humid in the room.

Has anyone else dealt with this? The last thing I want to do is tear down the tank, but I won't have a choice if I can't actually enjoy the space.

Hoping for some helpful suggestions...

You could do a glass top.

 

[1stNoel]

You could do a glass top.

I have glass tops, but never used them because I heard it was bad for CO2 exchange.

Also, the glass tops have a plastic seam in the middle (for opening and closing them) that I'm afraid would melt with the intensity of light hitting it.