Question about cleanliness

[PitBullDog]

Hi All,

Ive been doing my research about setting up my first discus tank.

2 Questions.

1. Can humans contract any of the diseases that the fish may carry? If so, which ones, and how would one avoid this and are they dangerous or annoying.
2. When I buy my first 6 young discus to grow out, is there a rule to follow on strains? Should they all be the same strain if they are all going to grow our together in a 55 gal?

Thanks!

[Wahter]

#1.) Do a search on "Mycobacterium marinum" - humans can definitely contract that from aquariums via water + fish. (FYI - You can also get it from soaking your fingers and toes in contaminated water at pedicure/ manicure places). Here are a few links to get you started.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycobacterium_marinum
http://aquatouch.com/Granuloma.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/2337.htm
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=56200&highlight=mycobacterium
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=40266&highlight=mycobacterium

Although not extremely common, I know of two other fishkeeping people who have had it in addition to myself. Hence, I wash my hands thoroughly after doing aquarium maintenance, and there's no way I'll use my mouth on a wet hose to start a siphon! Ewww....

#2.) You can mix and match strains of discus.

Hope that helps,


Walter

[Eddie]

#1.) Do a search on "Mycobacterium marinum" - humans can definitely contract that from aquariums via water + fish. (FYI - You can also get it from soaking your fingers and toes in contaminated water at pedicure/ manicure places). Here are a few links to get you started.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycobacterium_marinum
http://aquatouch.com/Granuloma.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/2337.htm
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=56200&highlight=mycobacterium
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=40266&highlight=mycobacterium

Although not extremely common, I know of two other fishkeeping people who have had it in addition to myself. Hence, I wash my hands thoroughly after doing aquarium maintenance, and there's no way I'll use my mouth on a wet hose to start a siphon! Ewww....

#2.) You can mix and match strains of discus.

Hope that helps,


Walter

Hell Walter, what doesn't kill you...only makes you stronger. LOL

But I sure don't want to test my strength. ;)

Eddie

[mikel]

I have only kept discus for about 2 years. But last year, I had a very small scrape from the beak of my macaw, and I of course didnt notice and dipped my hand into the tank to do a quick water change. In about a week, the area became inflamed, and then, it went away. But over the course of a few more weeks, a bump developed over the area, and it felt mildly pianful when I pressed it. It also looked horrible because it was located at the last joint of my index finger...so my finger had a visible lump on it. I finally couldnt stand it any more and went to my doctor, who diagnosed it right away as "fish keeper" disease, and sent me to the dermatologist...who did a quick out patient surgery to remove the lump and placed me on a two months antibiotics. He actually showed me the little lump that he cut out...I felt strangely satisfied seeing that piece of bacteria-flesh (yuck!).

So, keeping the long story short, wash your hands, and pay attention to minor cuts and scrapes. I have Iodine and Hydrogen Peroxide ready to dis-infect anything, and I am always using my antibacterial hand soap to wash my hands. I also try to use my black rubber gloves to do water changes and cleaning the glass. It's hard to remember that the danger is something that we cannot see.

[ShinShin]

I would stick with one strain, or two strains closely related. As far as disease, yes, aquarists have had some strange infections from cleaning tanks. Any open sore can be a pathway for bacteria to enter. However, there is more of a chance getting an infection outside the aquarium. Don't overreact here on this one.

Mat