Soap???

[rockin3]

Please pardon my ignorance, but this week was the first time I ever heard that soap is a no-no for cleaning fish tanks. I inherited a work fish from a laid-off coworker, and for three years have washed out his bowl with soap...
I don't use a lot, and I always thoroughly rinse everything. So what does this mean exactly? Why isn't he dead? Does water conditioner treat soap at all?

[BettaMiah]

No.... It doesn't.

Wow. What a survivor. I wish I could see the look on my own face. My jaw is dropped.

I suggest getting him a new 'bowl'. ANYTHING that have ever come in contact with soap is not safe for aquarium use.

Did you use aquarium soap maybe?

[rockin3]

Originally Posted by BettaMiah

No.... It doesn't.

Wow. What a survivor. I wish I could see the look on my own face. My jaw is dropped.

I suggest getting him a new 'bowl'. ANYTHING that have ever come in contact with soap is not safe for aquarium use.

Did you use aquarium soap maybe?

Nope, I've always used whatever dish soap was on hand. Can you see soap injuries on a fish?

EDIT: Also, is there a product that might help with any soap damage?

[Indyfishy]

Definitely don't use soap anymore, it's highly toxic to fish, and they don't really need it. Rinsing everything with hot water will take care of pretty much any bacteria in the tank that could harm him. It probably wouldn't do any harm to his outsides, but I'm sure his poor gills have taken a beating. But don't feel bad, I did the same thing to my fish tanks before i found out that it was toxic.

[rockin3]

Originally Posted by Indyfishy

Definitely don't use soap anymore, it's highly toxic to fish, and they don't really need it. Rinsing everything with hot water will take care of pretty much any bacteria in the tank that could harm him. It probably wouldn't do any harm to his outsides, but I'm sure his poor gills have taken a beating. But don't feel bad, I did the same thing to my fish tanks before i found out that it was toxic.

Is there anything I can use to help heal his gills?

[BettaMiah]

Only time will help. I wouldn't use meds. If he has lived this far, he will heal.

[Indyfishy]

I think he'll be fine, just don't use any soaps or cleaners, and keep the water nice and clean =)

[Miyazawa]

Originally Posted by rockin3

Please pardon my ignorance, but this week was the first time I ever heard that soap is a no-no for cleaning fish tanks. I inherited a work fish from a laid-off coworker, and for three years have washed out his bowl with soap...
I don't use a lot, and I always thoroughly rinse everything. So what does this mean exactly? Why isn't he dead? Does water conditioner treat soap at all?

your fish survived through phosphates, alkaline salts, oxygen-based bleach, surfactants, sodium sillicate and most dish soaps are highly basic......all i can say is wow......

[thegabzzz]

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[thegabzzz]

wow! Thats a tough one u got there! Make sure u take care of him/her
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