Touching corals

[kbuser92]

Okay, so I was wondering if someone could make a list here of what coral (polyps, too) that you can, shouldnt and cant touch and which ones are toxic? Like zoas are toxic and you should wear gloves. Im sure there are other new people and new fraggers that would love to know! Thanks, guys!

 

[little_fish]

zoas and palys are the only ones I can think of.

 

[Smitty]

I touch all my corals, just make sure you have no open sores in your hands, and don't touch your eyes, mouth, nose after handling them.

 

[AdeptMrSniffles]

+1 Smitty.

There isn't a coral in my tank that I haven't touched, after having washed and rinsed my hands very well, in my tank. Especially if say my torch is knocked over on some paly's and it's sweepers are out cuz it's pisses off. I still don't hesitate to grab it up to save my paly's.

 

[Bifferwine]

+1 Smitty. There are very few zoas/palys that are actually toxic. The problem is that no one is really sure which ones are. But it's probably the most commonly kept type of coral in the hobby, and you really only hear of a couple people a year getting sick from them. Odds have to be in the millions that you will be exposed to a toxin via your corals enough to make you sick.

Just use common sense when handling ANYTHING in your tank -- wear gloves if you have cuts or sores. Always wash your hands. Never put your hands in your mouth or touch your eyes.

 

[little_fish]

Pretty much the only think I know of that you for sure dont want to go about touching are bristle worms. If you have fish that are known for biting (such as eels) or other venomous fish (like lionfish) then you need to be careful the them too, they can inflict some serious damage.

I also personally avoid the nems as well, I touched an aiptasia I didnt know I had and ended up with a pretty bad sting. But I think I had more of an allergic reaction to their toxins than most hobbiest do.

Like biff said, use your head. Dont eat the contents of your tank, dont stick your hand in your eye or mouth after playing around in the tank, wash your hands, wear gloves, etc. You will be fine :)

 

[Bifferwine]

That's a good point that little_fish brings up -- some fish are venomous and you should be careful when working around them. They can accidentally stab you with a fin. Rabbitfish come to mind.