Guy almost kills house hold

[ThatGuy]

Don't know if I am allowed to post this here, but I figured it would be good if other newbies read this as to understand how dangerous this can get.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2253493

 

[joeb558]

Don't know if I am allowed to post this here, but I figured it would be good if other newbies read this as to understand how dangerous this can get.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2253493

I read that yesterday. Unbelievable. I think its necessary to spread the word. I could see how some of us could make the same mistake. Scary stuff.

 

[MatteZ]

For some reason when I stick my arm in my tank to do something and I pull it out after it dies off it itches. Once I wash it in the sink it is fine.

 

[magic]

For some reason when I stick my arm in my tank to do something and I pull it out after it dies off it itches. Once I wash it in the sink it is fine.

Maybe just the salt drying your skin out.

Bob

 

[Fish Brain]

We should really change the term "boiling rock" as some people, as in this case, take the term literally and the results could be fatal. There is also a possibility the rock can explode.

DO NOT BOIL ANY ROCK IN A POT ON THE STOVE!!!

To "boil" rock means to place the rock in an opaque container, such as a rubbermaid or bucket, and keep it void of light for a few weeks.

If that does not kill the algae or pest you are trying to eliminate, dry the rock in the sun and then cure the rock before reusing the rock in the aquarium.

 

[joe b]

I've read stories where you can get infected through open wounds or squirting in your eyes too. I've also read where some are more susceptible to the toxin and have had reactions only getting their hands wet. I like Zoas and rather be safe so I bought some elbow high gloves for handling coral from a online vendor and they leaked and filled with water.

 

[TanksNStuff]

Im glad you saved the princess. Where's Luigi when you need him.

That was my favorite response in that thread! (since his screen name was "superrmario")

Seriously though, boiling rock in a pot on the stove is a very bad idea. Bleaching or muriatic acid is a much safer way to "clean" live rock. Any method should be done in a well ventilated area though (preferably outside.) Vaporized palytoxins can be lethal if infected and not treated in time.

They were very lucky to have enough sense to go to the emergency room... and very lucky nothing serious happened to the dogs.

 

[fatoldsun]

For some reason when I stick my arm in my tank to do something and I pull it out after it dies off it itches. Once I wash it in the sink it is fine.

Matt - If your arm "dies" and falls off, I think the itching should be the least of your concern. just sayin'.....

 

[Coolaid]

For some reason when I stick my arm in my tank to do something and I pull it out after it dies off it itches. Once I wash it in the sink it is fine.

I get the same thing.. but ONLY in my macro algae tank. I have no corals in that tank at all. I wonder if it's some sort of bactaria.. Does it happen in other tanks you may have had your hands in?

 

[kschweer]

I have my hands in multiple tanks pretty much all day everyday. I would agree that the itching is most likely due to the saltwater drying out your skin. As far as the original story goes, it's really scary stuff. I try to be as careful as I can be but when in a rush or doing things on a whim being careful is usually the first thing that you forget. It's a good idea to take your time and ask if you really aren't sure about what you're doing.

 

[MatteZ]

I get the same thing.. but ONLY in my macro algae tank. I have no corals in that tank at all. I wonder if it's some sort of bactaria.. Does it happen in other tanks you may have had your hands in?

I never had any problem when I had my 24g cube running. However I did not have the coral stock like I do now. I also didn't dose anything like a I do now. I use the same salt as I did in my cube. Who knows...

 

[MatteZ]

Matt - If your arm "dies" and falls off, I think the itching should be the least of your concern. just sayin'.....

I think I have extra insurance if my arm falls off and the payout is big so it could be a blessing in disguise!

All joking aside I was thinking about this story while I was doing a water change the other day. One of my favorite parts to doing tank maintenance is the smell of the water. It reminds me of the bay.

The best part for me is right before I get to LBI the smell that comes off the bay.

 

[MadReefer]

For some reason when I stick my arm in my tank to do something and I pull it out after it dies off it itches. Once I wash it in the sink it is fine.

I used to have the same issue. Some soap and water and anti-itch cream and I am okay.
Bob, never had the issue when fish only and used the same salt, IO.

 

[fatoldsun]

The best part for me is right before I get to LBI the smell that comes off the bay.

I know that smell well - just after it hit you, you saw the "shack". I swear if I'm in some other part of the world and smell "a bay" I could close my eyes and see the shack. Sad that it's gone. It's doesn't even compare to people's personal losses to Sandy but it's something that I remember seeing my entire life and it is just a memory now...