Marine aquarium cautions

[fishytime]

Urchins are another one to be careful with. http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dyn...2Ftopic158.htm

Again best handled with gloves.

[rocketlily]

This has been known to happen to many saltwater addicts

[fishytime]

Perhaps the second most important hazard.

[J.Lloy]

Don't forget Bristleworm Sting. I picked up a rock and the underside had a worm lodged in with its bristles out. Ended with about 500 little spines across three fingers. They swelled a bit and were sore but I could feel the effects for a month. Getting the spines out also were not easy.

[debbaDEEra]

I knew that some corals are toxic but I had NO idea that zoos were this toxic. I have never worn gloves and was not told I should by any other the LFS. I do and have had swollen glands on one side of my neck that the doctors are watching and the next step is more tests. Could this be from me handling EVERYTHING in my tank wo gloves? I did months of research before we got the tank but I guess I missed this tutorial!!

[Alberta-newb]

I can attest to the hammer coral's sting..no long effects but wasn't pleasant.

Should also add all species of rabbitfishes to the caution list, I have never been stung (yet!) but I understand the sting from their spines can be quite painful. I'm always watchfull where my rabbitfish is in my tank when working inside.

[Doug]

I have some links that I saved from when we were heavy into its discussion on RC or somewhere.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1105126-overview

http://www.cbwinfo.com/Biological/Toxins/Palytoxin.html

http://www.provet.co.uk/health/disea...iummarinum.htm

Pretty good reference links for what we are discussing here but I take them just as that.

In all my years in the hobby I have never encountered many of these things. I did get an infection from an urchin poke and the tank water getting into it.

Plus when I handle a lot of live rock, esp. well seasoned rock, my hands and fingers swell. Sometimes so bad I need some meds for it.

[hound96]

Originally Posted by Alberta-newb

I can attest to the hammer coral's sting..no long effects but wasn't pleasant.

Should also add all species of rabbitfishes to the caution list, I have never been stung (yet!) but I understand the sting from their spines can be quite painful. I'm always watchfull where my rabbitfish is in my tank when working inside.

i got stung by my magnificent foxface a few months ago it got me in the finger and by the next day the pain was up to my shoulder was not one of my more fun experiences

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by debbaDEEra

I knew that some corals are toxic but I had NO idea that zoos were this toxic. I have never worn gloves and was not told I should by any other the LFS. I do and have had swollen glands on one side of my neck that the doctors are watching and the next step is more tests. Could this be from me handling EVERYTHING in my tank wo gloves? I did months of research before we got the tank but I guess I missed this tutorial!!

all zoo's are toxic the more colourfull the more toxic. the Giant sun polyp ( Protopalythoa grandis ) was used by Hawaiian natives to tip spears in for mortal combat.

Make sure you don't wipe your face with a towel you used to clean up when fragging if you get it on your lips, they will go numb and you will taste nothing but copper for hours, if you actualy injext it... who knows.

Steve

[Hairytank]

There seem to be three seperate health hazards that corals can cause...
1) Toxins from the coral- eg:Zoas
2) Stings from the coral caused by nematocysts- Hammer, fire (similar to jellyfish stings)
3) Infection from a cut from a coral

I wonder if the cure for the sting is the same as for jellyfish? The cure for the sting of a jellyfish is vinigar or urine. They also recommend you wash with salt water and not fresh as fresh will make it hurt more.