Does hand/arm in the tank cause higher Phosphate levels?

[hometown9]

So I ran an experiment. I'm a scientist by trade but this was anything but real science, so take with a grain of salt.

Observation: PO4 levels in my tank seemed to always be higher after having my hand in there doing something, even if just gluing something
Question: Does frequent arms/hands in the tank cause elevated PO4 levels?
Experiment:

1. Bucket full of RODI, baseline PO4. Value = .04 (in and of itself a problem)
2. Frequently dip unwashed arm/hand in, moving the water around
3. Test PO4 again. Value = .03
4. Continue moving hand arm around to point of almost washing it in the water
5. Test PO4 again. Value = .04

Conclusion: my arm/hand (can't say the same about everyone's) did not cause elevated PO4 levels despite a thorough rinsing in the 5-gallon bucket. Who knows if over time that would've turned into measurable PO4, but at least the first 30 minutes it did not.

I will resume sticking my hand in my tank now...

 

[Benjammin]

I’m still rinsing my hands and drying with paper towel but it’s good info to know and something I was thinking about.
In a small tank, some long tweezers (curved tip) helps with simple stuff like tipped snails etc.

 

[homer1475]

Never washed my hands before putting them in the tank. Even if I'm in the garage doing things. Only if I have been doing things with chemicals(bleach, grease, etc) will I wash, dry with a normal towel, and go on in. I've never had a PO4 issue, or any death I can attribute to sticking my hands in the tank.

Never really thought about it to be honest.

 

[Philly Reefer]

Clarification needed. What PO4 tester are you using?
I would think RODI water will have 0 everything... Hence why we use it to mix.

I was using my hand without care before, but now I use the shoulder length gloves to work my tank. If I need more precision, wash my hands and arms with dawn and still use a hand glove.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There should be no significant phosphate on you hands or arms unless they are wet with a detergent that contains phosphate.

 

[hllb]

I would question the testing too - our marine kits aren't intended for freshwater (RODI) but saltwater. I wouldn't think that would be a valid test for RODI.