nail polish ok?

[majesticstorm]

So things you need to know about me:
-I am one of those people who are super paranoid about getting toxic chemicals into their fish tank.
-I rarely ever use nail polish.

However, I got this really nice nail polish as a Christmas present and I really want to use it. Is it safe to do water changes/feed my fish with nail polish on? How about nail polish remover?

[Kytkattin]

Hmm... This is an interesting question. I know that I have stuck my hand in a tank with nail polish on. It does, of course, need to be completely dry, so doing a water change on the day you change the polish probably isn't a good idea. Also consider that nail polish remover should never be an issue because you would wash your hands before putting them in a tank.

Though I am with you, nail polish is pretty nasty stuff with all sorts of terrible chemicals (though I love it so!) but I have no idea of its toxicity when dried. I would think that if it was terribly dangerous people would be advised against eating with it on. Though there are some I am sure that could argue for why that would be dangerous or that it already absorbs into your skin and causes problems that way. Sorry I am of no help!

[guardianfyre]

Once it's completely dried and cured (no longer gives off an odor), it's non-toxic. Lacquer takes longer to cure than polish. As Kytkattin suggested, I probably wouldn't do water changes on the same day you put it on, just to be on the safe side. Nail polish remover is usually acetone and is deadly. Wash your hands extremely well before going near your fish tank(s).

[amyteee]

I try to mess the day after I have applied polish to make sure all the solvents have evaporated. :D I almost always have nail polish on though. Should be fine. May I ask what brand it is?

[majesticstorm]

Thanks for the quick responses! Now I can be happy with my nail polish and my fish will be safe :D I guess I'll just not use nail polish remover and wait for it to come off naturally, hahaha.

@amyteee: The one that I really wanted to use is by Sephora by OPI.

[amyteee]

Originally Posted by majesticstorm

Thanks for the quick responses! Now I can be happy with my nail polish and my fish will be safe :D I guess I'll just not use nail polish remover and wait for it to come off naturally, hahaha.

@amyteee: The one that I really wanted to use is by Sephora by OPI.

Reputable brand then. :) No formaldehyde, toluene or DBP which is a bonus! :D