Any Dangers in Aquarium Cleaning?

Question

Is it dangerous to clean aquariums? I have heard of fish TB, but how common is it really? I've always been paranoid that fish have all kinds of diseases...so some one please lay my fears to rest!

I'm asking because I'm interested in a job at a certain pet store chain...but one aspect of it is cleaning fish tanks.

Answer 1

DONT USE SOAP WHILE CLEANING TANKS! ITS DEADLY! (TO FISH)

Answer 2

Fish TB isn't very common. You can catch it by swallowing aquarium water, but I would guess that a pet store has a higher tech method of cleaning tanks than a hose. Most siphons now are self starting. There aren't many other diseases that fish and mammals can get from each other.

edit: fish TB isn't the same as regular tuberculosis.

Answer 3

There are several diseases that fish can pass to humans (fish TB, Aeromonad infections, staph infections), but all are fairly minor and easily treated.  If that's your biggest concern about working there, definitely take the job.  If you have open cuts on your hands or arms, just slip on some rubber gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards-- the chances of you catching something from the fish are about as good as a school of Neon Tetras gnawing off your finger...

Answer 4

I clean my fish tank all the time and haven't gotten any sicknesses.  Just wash your hands before you put them near your mouth. :)

Answer 5

There is NOTHING you can catch from the fish, the plants (including algae) or the water in any fish tank.  Some fish are 'poisonous' or 'dangerous' for other reasons, but except for the Lion Fish you won't find them in a chain pet store , and you'll be given instructions on cleaning the tank and be helped until you know how to do it properly.  The WORST danger to cleaning any fish tank is to the FISH, not to the human doing the cleaning.  I know ... I have two tanks, one 45 gallon, one 20 gallon and I must clean them both weekly.  I have a very serious heart condition, and asked my doctor if I could do this safely ... he laughed and said 'It's great exercise for you!'  If my doctor would say that, there is NOTHING about cleaning a fish tank that can make you ill.  As for fish getting tuberculosis ... I've NEVER heard of that, since tuberculosis is a disease of the human lung ... and fish don't 'breathe oxygen' but take the oxygen from the water, and that is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT SYSTEM!