Yes, a lot of people touch them. I don't. It can damage their slime coat if done too often, but I know many who scoop them up with their hands instead of a net. I actually posted a thread about it awhile back..
I always wash my hands-before and after I do anything with my tanks using soap and water.
I don't stress over any soap residue...I have been doing it this way for a very long time and have never had any issue or caught anything from my tanks in the 40+ years in this hobby.
IMO/E-washing hands before and after working with your tanks is a good habit to form....
I don't stick my hand right in the food container. Usually tapped some food into the lid. I also have to feed 10+ adults and 200+ fry so wet hands are fine considering it makes it seemingly faster (slight tap or flick of pellets to each fish without continuously going back for more food)
By chemicals I mean: sanitizer, soap, any household cleaners (or does no one clean anymore?)
As for chlorine: considering bettas are hardy, my fish are very hardy, and I don't think minuscule amounts of chlorine could kill them... I'd rather a tad bit of tap water than dirt, grease, sanitizer etc to get into the tanks. I work retail. I also handle chemicals.
I'd say about 80% of the time I dont wash my hands.
I usually only wash them if I know there is some kind of chemical on them (i.e. nail polish remover, hair color, shampoo, etc. from school) and when I do wash I dont use soap, just rinse well because I dont want there to be any left over soap residue getting into their food.
I like to wear perfume so I am afraid of that harming him. So anytime I mess with his tank I wash with hot water and soap, dry my hands and wait ten minutes. I also wash my hands after messing with his tank or feeding him. I am a nurse...so I am very committed to good hand washing habits.
I don't stick my hand right in the food container. Usually tapped some food into the lid. I also have to feed 10+ adults and 200+ fry so wet hands are fine considering it makes it seemingly faster (slight tap or flick of pellets to each fish without continuously going back for more food)
By chemicals I mean: sanitizer, soap, any household cleaners (or does no one clean anymore?)
As for chlorine: considering bettas are hardy, my fish are very hardy, and I don't think minuscule amounts of chlorine could kill them... I'd rather a tad bit of tap water than dirt, grease, sanitizer etc to get into the tanks. I work retail. I also handle chemicals.
Well I feed one pellet at a time so what am I supposed to do?
I guess you air dry. Or dry with whatever you have. I literally grab a good amount, and walk around feeding everyone their 3-4 pellets (and moreso for the giant) Luckily everyone is downstairs.
I am more careful, because of what I handle. Plus I rinse off my hands between fish (especially new. Sick fish I do a thorough clean with my hands).
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I guess you air dry. Or dry with whatever you have. I literally grab a good amount, and walk around feeding everyone their 3-4 pellets (and moreso for the giant) Luckily everyone is downstairs.
