Aquarium-Related Sinus Infection?

[1stNoel]

Do you use phytoplankton? When I first started culturing phyto, I would have allergic reactions when working with it. After a couple months the symptoms stopped.

I dose Reef Roids, Benepets, aminos, and NoPOX. No phyto.

 

[1stNoel]

Hmm....my sinus/ear infections actually went down when I had a saltwater tank in my room....I attribute it to increased humidity preventing my nose from drying out, and the aerosolized salts acting like a natural nasal spray...

When was the last time you did a solid deep-clean of the mancave? I'm talking vacuum everything, open the doors, dust everything, and clean whatever can be cleaned, while reaching into every nook and cranny possible. My sinus/ears easily get clogged, and by maintaining incredibly sterile conditions in my living space, the infections tend to be less. A HEPA filter may also be useful.

For all intents and purposes, it sounds like you're having a dust allergy to me...

It's been a while, but I'll clean out the room this weekend. Dust does cause me to sneeze.

 

[1stNoel]

My advice, avoid using an exhaust fan as that may cause more polluted air (possibly containing mold spores) to populate the space. What you really want is to filter air from somewhere else (using a carbon filter) and pressurize the space, forcing bad air out.

At the risk of sounding incredibly dumb, how would I pressurize the space?

 

[1stNoel]

Could be several Individual or combined possibilities:

1. if I am mixing salt in the same room, the dusts cause a similar reaction to yours; and it goes away after a day.

2. some foods can cause an allergic reaction - certain exposures to shrimps and other seafoods from the grocery store ( toxins, heavy metals, other contaminants)

3. developing an allergy to the usual marine foods ( brine shrimp, mysis, planktons)

4. do you move corals around without gloves - handling the zoas/palys/favia/ LPS etc cause some interesting skin anesthetic reactions and sometimes flu like symptoms;

5. check for mould around the tank, floors, walls, behind baseboards

6. are you prone to other allergies - plants, pets, hopefully not seafood and shellfish

7. Had some weird extremely fast moving multi-legged beige-white thing ( best description ever) that looked like an aiptasia nudibranch but rocket movements. It was on my hand for a few seconds and it became itchy where he was; had a little breathing problem, not major, but an allergenic response. Went away in a few hours and I took some allergy meds; more interesed in what the little critter was; he moves ridiculously fast over the rough jagged rocks;

Honeywell makes some decent air purifiers (dont go cheap on this)

No allergic reaction to seafood, coral, etc. But am affected by pollen, dust, and mold.

Sounds like a deep clean, while checking for mold, and an air purifier is the first step.

I really hope this works. I was actually working on a project to add 3 raceways (just missing plumbing and water at this point, but everything else is done...purchased tanks, built stands, drilled holes, bought the equipment and lights, and assembled into place). So I'd basically have tanks running down the length of the 20'. Would be a shame if I had to tear it all down.

 

[damselindistress]

Any idea how the humidity is down there? Maybe a dehumidifier?

Had the same issue... That is when I learned about "air filter replacement". Also I am 29 so it was a embarrassing moment for me...

I have a 24 yr old son who recently bought his first house...this reminds me I need to tell him to replace his air filter periodically lol.

OP - please check the humidity level, I would almost bet you are developing a mold issue. I am highly allergic to mold and just recently completed my 4th year of allergy shots, it is nothing to take lightly. Over time it will at best degrade your quality of life and at worst make you alarmingly sick. Please check it out. Mold can grow in the low 50s humidity levels, way before a room begins to feel "dank".

 

[Duncan Tse]

No allergic reaction to seafood, coral, etc. But am affected by pollen, dust, and mold.

Sounds like a deep clean, while checking for mold, and an air purifier is the first step.

I really hope this works. I was actually working on a project to add 3 raceways (just missing plumbing and water at this point, but everything else is done...purchased tanks, built stands, drilled holes, bought the equipment and lights, and assembled into place). So I'd basically have tanks running down the length of the 20'. Would be a shame if I had to tear it all down.

Hey I have a similar experience with you too.

If I work around the tank for too long I would constant sneeze/runny nose.

I'm also allergic to dust so I feel like that is what's causing these allergic symptoms

 

[jreece11]

The only prescription is to buy more coral.

 

[Snoopdog]

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 like puffy eyes, scratchy throat, and the nasty loogies). 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...

I know most people hold a negative opinion on this, but sinus wash! And while doing it really sniff it in your upper sinus cavities. In other countries it is popular because it works, and it is very cheap. Just something for you to consider.

 

[Silent]

Start with the least expensive methods to fix it.
Check the humidity first.
Clean room.
Replace air handler filter.
Increase air flow, possibly exhausting air to outside or bringing fresh air in.
Add an air purifier or at a minimum add air purifying plants with proper lighting.
Add a dehumidifier if humidity is ever over 50%.

 

[GlassMunky]

Start with the least expensive methods to fix it.
Check the humidity first.
Clean room.
Replace air handler filter.
Increase air flow, possibly exhausting air to outside or bringing fresh air in.
Add an air purifier or at a minimum add air purifying plants with proper lighting.
Add a dehumidifier if humidity is ever over 50%.

No amount of house plants will be able to purify the air in your home. That’s a very common misconception.

Adding a dehumidifier and keeping your air filters clean should help tremendously for the OP.

 

[ScottB]

You are right to take this seriously, and there are many great suggestions here. Such an awesome community.

As to pressurizing the space -- unless you are a good DIY person -- it can get a bit expensive but is a pretty good idea. In short, you draw in fresh air, filter it, and pump it into that room at a good clip. Whatever contaminant is in that room is constantly being pushed out of that room. If the room is "tight" you would also need to run an exhaust hose somewhere.

This would be a cheaper attempt:

 

[Silent]

No amount of house plants will be able to purify the air in your home. That’s a very common misconception.

Adding a dehumidifier and keeping your air filters clean should help tremendously for the OP.

I understand your thoughts and while yes it is a misconception about plants ability to purify the air, it is true they improve air quality. Downside is it takes about 10 plants per square foot, at least for VOCs.

 

[1stNoel]

The only prescription is to buy more coral.

I got a fever...and the only prescription...is more coral!!!

 

[1stNoel]

I appreciate all the feedback. It is much appreciated.

Regarding the air purifier, I'm not sure which one to get.

My budget is $300-$500, with $500 being reserved for a solution that's so good that it's worth the extra dollars. I just don't want to regret a purchase because I tried to go cheap.

The Honeywell has positive reviews, but also a bunch of very negative ones.
Others I'm considering are: Alen BreatheSmart 45i, BlueAir Blue Pure 211+, Germ Guardian, and Honeywell HPA300.

My main concerns are that it handles mold, is highly dependable, and runs quietly.

Thoughts?

 

[Silent]

I have no experience in this but the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ scored an excellent rating at less than $300 for a room up to 540 square feet. Hope this might help.

Best Air Purifiers of 2024 - Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has ratings of more than 150 air purifiers to help you find the best models. Here are the air purifiers that came out on top in our tests.

www.consumerreports.org

 

[1stNoel]

I have no experience in this but the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ scored an excellent rating at less than $300 for a room up to 540 square feet. Hope this might help.

Best Air Purifiers of 2024 - Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has ratings of more than 150 air purifiers to help you find the best models. Here are the air purifiers that came out on top in our tests.

www.consumerreports.org

I purchased the Blueair. I'll report back after I've had a chance to set it up.

 

[snorklr]

if your ''hardwood " is a floating pergo style floor you may have mold growing under it...if i had a fishroom in a basement i'd make sure the floor was ceramic tile

 

[MJ in Boise]

Pay for a professional to do a mold test. Buy a dehumidifier. An air purifier is a band aid, and you need to find the source. Very easy to suspect humidity as you are in Florida. Frigidaire 410 watt energy star dehumidifier is what I use and recommend for a space that size.

 

[1stNoel]

Pay for a professional to do a mold test. Buy a dehumidifier. An air purifier is a band aid, and you need to find the source. Very easy to suspect humidity as you are in Florida. Frigidaire 410 watt energy star dehumidifier is what I use and recommend for a space that size.

What about something like this for the space?


I have a sliding glass door that leads out to the pool. This is the hottest room in my house, because it's furthest from the unit and because of all the T5 bulbs, so the added A/C would keep the room cool.

My next issue will be power constraints.

 

[MJ in Boise]

What about something like this for the space?


I have a sliding glass door that leads out to the pool. This is the hottest room in my house, because it's furthest from the unit and because of all the T5 bulbs, so the added A/C would keep the room cool.

My next issue will be power constraints.

An air conditioner will help a little with humidity. It depends on how many hours you run it. A dehumidifier will remove gallons per day. Add both or just a dehumidifier imo. I believe GE makes a small, very efficient AC unit that sells for about $200. Dehumidifier is also around $200. No need to get a big one, a 30 pint is fine. Run a line out that back door and never worry about emptying the reservoir.