The Ultimate Aquarium Safety Guide: How To Be a Safe Fish Keeper!

Hello Everyone,
In this video we take a comprehensive look at fish-keeping safety.
If you want more info on some of the concepts shared in this video check out these videos:
Beginners Guide to Keeping Fish Part 1: • Beginners Guide to The...
How Much Water Should You Change: • Fish Tank Water Change...
How Often Should You Test Water: • Aquarium Water Testing...
How to Build a Fish Tank Stand: • How to Build a Fish Ta...
Do you want a subscription to the best fish magazine in the world? Check this out - a special offer for Prime Time Aquatics viewers! www.amazonasmagazine.com/prim...
Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
Want to become a Prime Timer and see behind the scenes fish room videos? Consider becoming a member: / @primetimeaquatics
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! / @thesmallscape
Check out flipaquatics.com if you are looking for these awesome fish!
We would like to thank our channel sponsors for 2023: Flip Aquatics and Fritz Aquatics. For 2023 our fish are being fed Northfin Foods from flipaquatics.com! They help make what we do here possible and are worth checking out!
#aquariums #fishtank #aquariumfish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you want more info on some of the concepts shared in this video check out these videos: Beginners Guide to Keeping Fish Part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZDQdWmGlLqDnKMsi=hBH0odKk6VvI0bc5 How Much Water Should You Change: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJnVYWWdrdWeaKssi=AWa3QWDzo71NuloP How Often Should You Test Water: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3m6mZ54r8qNrLMsi=CpjLq5wcbJSg4DS8 How to Build a Fish Tank Stand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIO3dXatmcStnpYsi=TK2ZxNU5gDtctKXB Do you want a subscription to the best fish magazine in the world? Check this out - a special offer for Prime Time Aquatics viewers! www.amazonasmagazine.com/primetime Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch Want to become a Prime Timer and see behind the scenes fish room videos? Consider becoming a member: kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! kzbin.info/door/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg

[@ScallywagsFishBowl]

Great video! I’d add the following tips: 1. Do not smoke in your house or near your tanks if you smoke. 2. Wash your hands before you stick them in your tanks to remove any chemicals on your skin (lotion, nicotine, etc.) 3. Be careful with household cleaners and don’t use aerosols anywhere near the tank

[@barbarastrohmenger6123]

Pet safety is another concern. I still use the bucket and syphon hose to clean my tank and my dog thinks its cool to drink the nasty fish tank water out of the bucket!! Also when using test kit or mixing meds i always do that at the sink/ counter so Im sure nothing drops on the floor for him to find.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great point!

[@cories4life991]

As others have already said and a non-negotiable rule I have for the safety of the critters we keep. Is to give your hands and arms a good rinse with tap water before you work into your tank. In between my 29-gallon aquarium and proper stand, I also use a thick piece of Styrofoam to help level the tank out and distribute the weight. Having your aquariums plugged into some sort of GFCI outlet also adds another layer of safety as well. Happy aquarium keeping everyone!!!

[@wendihamlett105]

Great reminders! My biggest injuries have been because of ladders! 4 foot step ladder to reach the upper tanks. Fallen off twice trying to juggle filters etc. Not fun. Always watch your step (ladder) lol

[@PaulZyCZ]

Also if anybody is using chair, get a sturdy ladder instead.

[@noelbrucker135]

As a pediatrician, I like that you put making sure that your stand won’t tip right at the beginning, especially those with a shelf underneath that kiddos will inevitably want to step up on to see the fish. (Plus the kid safety/supervision tips at the end). My own fish injury came from trying to clean the back compartments of an all-in-one tank, when I didn’t realize that the hidden lower part of the filter compartment was a sharp cut glass edge. Sliced right through several fingers.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ouch!

[@lemonlizard1]

speaking of wounds on your hands. I would definitely recommend staying out of the water if you have eczema on your hands. Makes it much worse & harder to heal!

[@Sygmir]

Wash your hand before (for them) and after (for you) Really nice video, I really like listening to you and appreciate when you go the extra mile and go to the biochemistry of things!

[@jmizzonini]

Tip for tank stands on carpet, I installed carpet spikes into the bottom of the stand before setting up, it adds a little bit more stability to the whole thing

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nice!

[@twoface9959]

For a fish stand I didn’t know was uneven, I got some rigid wedges from Amazon (Wobble Wedges) that you can slip underneath the stand legs to stabilize the stand. Cannot move it to save my life. They can support up to 2,000 pounds, and if the wobble is higher in the air than an inch or so off the ground, you can stack them for desired height. As for weight of fish stands, I always get one that holds more weight than advertised to be safe. For example, I have a 55 gallon tank, but the stand can support up to a 75 gallon tank on the top shelf, and up to 20 gallon high on its bottom shelf.

[@dancurran8977]

Thanks for the video! Another thing to consider with stands would be securing them to the wall if you are in an earthquake-prone areas or have small children. Regarding electricity, I use either grounded outlets or GFCI outlets in my fish room for a little extra safety.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Excellent point!

[@rockyandmiles9889]

The Aquarium Coop video on how to use a syphon totally saved me! 😅

[@AquaZeni]

That beard is looking immaculate brother, great vid for beginners!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Why thank you 😀

[@simianlife5949]

Thanks for this--I totally have a non-aquarium related power strip on the floor near the tank that I need to address! And while this video is great for safety "outside" the aquarium, something to add for keeping you fish safe would be to use something like Fritz cleaner to clean the glass/acrylic instead of ammonia-laden Windex (my guess is you already have that covered in another video).

[@danszczerba65]

Great vid as always, noob here in Germany, getting my first tank next week-6 footer, 270l(72g)...wish me luck✌️

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's awesome - have fun!

[@jeffhein7275]

Viel Glück und viel Spaß!🙂

[@adamworley196]

Welcome to the hobby!

[@DJ-ui2cn]

Man, been in this hobby for quite some time, but actually listening to these safety tips actually puts it all under perspective. Love your videos man, got a lot to catch up to! Subbed.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here!

[@andicarson1339]

Homes in cold climates with Winters below freezing can shift. A 55 gallon, with all nano sized fish, installed level in the Summer ended up not level in Winter and burst. Keep in eye on the shifting. The location in the home may need to change.

[@vikkirountoit497]

So funny - I read last line as suggesting I might need to move and find a more appropriate house for my hobby!!

[@andicarson1339]

@@vikkirountoit497, haha! Well, ya know, sometimes a person just has to do what a person has to do! Haha!

[@MatthiasBruder-xn1ik]

Simple advicws and well known but good to hear them from Time to Time 👍

[@leedibiasio9229]

Great vid. Beard is on point!

[@reggie2803]

Yes, I noticed the beard as soon as started watching.

[@benininho]

Thank you Jason for inspiring me to start fish keeping again after 40 years, for getting me interested in African cichlids and now for doing the maintenance more responsible, unplugging the filter when doing water changes.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@brianholdridge1860]

Good tips. I always make my own fish tank stands or cabinets. With a few basic skills and techniques, most people can make one better than store bought. It's also important to wash your hands before and after they go in a tank. You don't want hand lotion in the aquarium.

[@pungr]

GREAT video, some stuff I never even thought of, thanks!

[@lynnducker]

Thank you..I never thought about keeping solutions below eye level...

[@bwicked3059]

Thanks bud 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@melwohl37]

Great topic! ❤

[@davidmccann2633]

😯 thanks man ❤💯

[@cls52766]

Thank you!! Great video

[@lewashcliffe]

As always, great information and reminders! Thanks Jason!

[@jessicasinclair323]

Great common sense!

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

Excellent, simply excellent advice!!!

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Excellent

[@ItsLaurenE]

Hey Jason!! 2 things, I've noticed lately in some beginner groups more and more people, myself included are recommending your channel, I also add to peep your wife's channel as well. *HAND WASHING so important, easily neglected if multi tasking. I make sure to wash my hands and past my elbows before entering my tanks. Lotion, sunblock, body spray, bug spray, I want to be sure doesn't enter my tank. I keep a nail brush and one of those loofah that hold the bar soap inside to not just get a top layer cleaning if i know i have any body absorbance on my arms. I know it's a bit extreme but it's in my favor. Wonderful video as always. If insomnia depletes tonight and I'm up early I'd love to see you both at the swap. Life's been all kinds of chaotic lately.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Really appreciate your recommending us! Hope to see you at the swap!

[@reggie2803]

Thanks for bringing us another great video. For those of us who have more experience have learned the hard way, but a refresher video is always good.

[@elvinsworld11]

Nice

[@adamworley196]

This was a great video. Good for newbs and a reminder for experienced keepers. Very through, and lots of good comments. Kudos man.

[@chriscyr4982]

love the video, tons of thought went into it. You covered great tips. If you ever make another one please consider mentioning the center brace in large tanks and how important structurally that it is. Also pad versus no pad in rimless vs. rimmed tanks. Another 'GREAT' video, thanks .......

[@Whips_World]

I follow all these rules as well, with the exception of not doing maintenance if you have open wounds on my hands. If I waited for a time like that, my tanks wouldn't get maintained until I retired. Doing what I do for a living, I have cuts, scrapes, and punctures on my hands and arms more often than I don't. I know it's a risk, and I make sure I wash up after I'm done to mitigate the chances of falling ill, but even with that, the risk is still there.

[@vikkirountoit497]

big one for me too - in the case of a recent nick or puncture, I did buy the armpit length ugly yellow gloves for working in my 75 to access the bottom of the tank if needed - pita to use but good to have and I've used them twice.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I hear you man!

[@PaulZyCZ]

​@@vikkirountoit497 I use one-use latex gloves instead. Put it on injured hand, tie an electrical tape over the wrist part (so water doesn't get in)... Just to be sure, I disinfect the cut I had there after cleanup.

[@shyaa4297]

My uncle got a blood infection, it has been a huge medical issue for him and a mystery to drs but was from a body of water they finally determined. This video is so important! Thank you for this!

[@vikkirountoit497]

EXCELLENT video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@wakkawakka7624]

On the topic of electricity. Use GFCI protected circuits. Also... 15amp circuits means only 1500 watts per circuit. The load on any circuit can only be 80% of what the rating on the breaker is. You can quickly reach capacity with a water heater/air pump/lighting/waterfilter pumps. So.... maybe call a licensed electrician to make sure your circuits are properly balanced.

[@lizdyson3627]

Great video Jason. Can I just let you know i've managed to seend you both a couple of photo's of my tank and set up.

[@Tarlu17]

Thank you for this video! Seconding a suggestion another commenter made, I would love any ideas on best practices for earthquake proofing aquariums and stands (to the extent it’s possible). Won’t apply to everyone but would be SO helpful for those of us in earthquake country! I haven’t found much content addressing this.

[@macc224]

good advise. only one that I'm guilty of is my tank is slightly sloped. would say roughly 0.5cm nowhere near overflowing such a minute amount, been running a year and don't see any wear etc. on the stand which is a fluval shaker 252l all sturdy so think i will be ok. think a lot of your videos have probably saved a lot of my fish from when i started so thankyou Jason and Joanna

[@Noxlion28]

This was a great idea for a video! I’m a bit embarrassed that I never considered a lot of these safety issues…especially since I’ve taken a few biology/chemistry classes myself. 😅

[@Aquatica87Heaven]

It’s time. To Prime!

[@7zs7]

Would love a fishroom tour soon!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Should happen by year end - just need to finish the gallery side!

[@Swirlly1]

Only bit of safety advise id give, unless its already been said, wash your hands before you put them in the tank. Thats a practice i keep. Specially before feeding as i feed my EBA by hand.

[@melwohl37]

I tend to wash my hands before I go in the tank and think more of avoiding getting any contaminates into the tank like soap residue or any perfume I've used after grooming dogs etc. I rinse rinse rinse all the way up to the elbow like surgeon before I go into the tank lol even use hot hot water 😅

[@WhiteCloud746]

Great video. I'll add one to your list. Far too many fish keepers are prophylactically using antibiotics in great quantities in a misguided effort to treat newly-acquired fish during the initial quarantine period after purchase. They then drain these antibiotics into the local water shed. In so doing, they are contributing to global antibiotic resistance, i.e. super bugs, that threaten all of humanity. It doesn't matter if the antibiotic is sold by well-meaning, jovial fish keepers in a "coop" as part of a "quarantine trio" it's still very dangerous for society writ large.

[@PaulthePlantGuy]

I worked at a very reputable fish store for many years (won’t say the name here 😅) and safety with medications was basically nonexistent. We eventually started requiring gloves for medications but I had definitely gotten Ich-X/Attack in my eye and inhaled nitrofurantonin most than once

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not cool!

[@BertShackleford]

*_Wash your hands and arms frequently!_* That means _before,_ during and *AFTER* your routine maintenance. Especially for those people that live their lives bathed in moisturizing lotion, fragrances, and even nail polish (which is often overlooked). It is true that anti-bacterial soap will literally kill the beneficial bacteria on your hands and in the tank(s). However, the impact is insignificant. You run very little risk of destroying your ecosystems. I only mention this because some people refuse to wash their hands citing some ridiculous excuse they made up in their heads. There are some potentially serious and even fatal outcomes should you choose not to be hygienic. Stay classy (and clean) my friends.

[@TheJohnGalt1945]

7:40 Are those platies? What kind? They’re stunning!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hi fin variatus!

[@joeader6046]

Jason I have a very important question to ask you and I really value your knowledge I'm hoping you can help me I'm going to be setting up a 125 around Christmas time and I want to do the substrate ahead of time washing out and cleaning Black Diamond blasting sand can I store it in a tote sealed outside cleaned until I am ready to use it

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Definitely

[@joeader6046]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you so much for the answer the reason I need to do that is because I live in Pennsylvania and I want to have it cleaned and ready to go before we get freezing temperatures and I can't use the hose outside

[@echoesvayne9790]

rough part of owning cats and tanks is tank maintenance scheduling often gets "scratched" off the planned day without being done😂

[@lruddy8820]

as someone who thinks they accidentally poisoned one of their tanks this might be a good video for me, altho i think of myself as a pretty safe fish keeper i still cant pinpoint my mistake

[@PaulZyCZ]

6:00 - I suspect I got ear infection this way. I like to listen to music on my phone with headphones, incl. official tracks on KZbin without Premium... and they like to stop music at the worst moment, when my hands re full of dirty sponges and such.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not cool!

[@davidmccann2633]

I have a juwel 200 letre and the way the bottom panel of glass is mounted onto a frame,, if i had of used hevey rocks i could have cracked that glass with all the whight and pressure,, it was jus luck i went for the artificial rock decoration

[@LOSADM02]

Hello Jason, I am a pathologist (for humans, not a vet) and I frequently see my fish at the microscope after they die (after full fixation, dissection and histology processing with special stains and all). I have diagnosed that many many have died with disseminated Mycobacterial infection. They do NOT show external signs of disease. I know I need to be careful if I have any cuts in my hands, but at the same time I know that mycobacteria are normally present in our environment and household. So, I wonder about 3 things and I'd like to know your thoughts: 1-Are many fish in the hobby dying of this, but they just don't get diagnosed like mine do, so nobody knows why they died? Maybe I am worrying too much and it's just endemic! 2-Should I disinfect all and start over from scratch, and if so, with what method? 3-Could my very acidic water be a favorable condition for this infection (pH less than 6,4). I'd really appreciate your thoughts!! This video is great! Big fan here!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great questions. I’m wondering if you were able to do acid fast staining or any other biochemical differential tests to confirm mycobacterium? I don’t think it should be endemic, but it could be in your tanks. As you know, treating it in fish is mostly useless and it is recommended that anything that goes into that tank not be used in other tanks. Once all the fish die in that tank (which can take a while) it’s best to remove everything from the tank, bleach what can be bleached, throw out what can’t be bleached and start over.

[@LOSADM02]

Hello!!! I did use acid-fast stain and it's posiive. My pH is less than 6.4. Do you think that favors the occurrene of the disease? Do you know anybody from whom I could learn some fish pathology? Thank you!@@PrimeTimeAquatics

[@Rews-fish-shed]

Just had a heater blow and fill with water had I not unplugged it first it would have been a serious problem

[@julim9242]

At 5:06 on this video, what type of Gourami is that? The brown one with the Geophagus and Gold Severum.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is a Ctenopoma!

[@julim9242]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Oh, Thank you, its a beautiful fish!

[@englelisa45]

Hi, Are decorations made for aquariums with resin safe ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For the most part they are ok.

[@julim9242]

Great video! This is not related to this video but I have a dwarf flag Cichlid that is swimming on its side. Yesterday, he was fine, showed no signs of illness and he ate flake food that I fed them yesterday but today when I went to check the tank, he was laying on its side and he swims a little but on its side and looks slightly curved. All my other fish are fine, no signs of disease, its just this fish. There is no aggression in this tank, I have platys, young mollies, and two plecos. Also there was no Ammonia or Nitrite when I tested it yesterday. Yesterday I did a 30% water change and today a 60% water change. These were the water parameters before doing a 60% water change today: Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrate: 40 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm pH: 6.6 What do you recommend me to do to help my fish? Thank you in advance

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I might try to remove him. Epson salty bath first? Hard to say what’s going to for sure?

[@julim9242]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you, I'm going to try Epson Salt bath

[@RosinBoii]

my oscar always nips at my hand thinking its food lol i always try to hold him and he doesnt like it so he stays away

[@AQUARIUMFREAK123]

Would you know if VASELINE is AQUARIUM SAFE ? The reason for this question is i am making aquarium decorations out of safe resin, but in order to keep the resin from sticking to the mold i need to lube the mold with vaseline... i am doing my best i can to remove the vaseline but i want to know if the vaseline itself is harmfull to the aquarium life at small amounts left behind.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I doubt it is safe. Just try to get it off the decorations before placing into the tank.

[@paulhughes8907]

Also I good idea to wash your hands after going into the aquarium , it is a biologically active environment and don't do what I did and eat after messing around with aquarium. Real sick for a couple days.

[@dhineshasdk3993]

Guys looking for a polar blue parrot from your view guys

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If I were keeping them I would probably want at least a 4ft tank with no other cichlids (they tend to get bullied over time).

[@austinmorales6260]

Along with no cuts on hands I would add no house hold cleaning chemicals on your hands either. Things like goo gone very toxic

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point!

[@Uathankicks]

I’m paranoid of catching a zoonotic disease

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

As long as we take precautions we don’t have to be afraid. 😀

[@joeader6046]

I have made that mistake with the heater in the past I will not do it again

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It only takes once : -)

[@echoesvayne9790]

why would anyone use their mouth to start a siphon when gravity works...

[@sewerrat7612]

How it was originally done works fine been doing it for more th an 20 years with no issues.

[@adamworley196]

Those were dark times 😂. Just one of those things. Most I'd say is no one really knew the gravity method. At least until the Internet became a thing, most had never heard of or thought to. And the person who started the bulb pump method can have all my money. Man I wish I had one of those as kid helping dad with his tanks.

[@smashthevolume]

FATHER FISH SAYS.... "DON'T!! have plastic plants in your aquarium. They're made from petroleum."😮 And after about 1 year they'll break down and chemicals will leech into the water and pollution is eminent. What's your take on that? I just had to throw this into the ring lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They have been in use for at least 60 years. I think you could then make the same argument for filters, airline tubing also? I don't think it matters.

[@Fishaddict1970]

2 things you shoulda mentioned …..all electric for fish tank should be GFI … and it’s very simple even if you don’t have one near tank just buy plug in GFI…. And about air pump no one wants that thing above tank so check valves are a must …. But I see them installed wrong 99% of the time ….they should be installed in tank just below hood ….never have it on the floor or hanging midway up air line …. Bc if the aquarium side comes off your gonna drain the tank on floor and The plastic ones love to crack and leak over time and a good air pump will eventually blow the lines apart from pump / check valve. And if check valve is just under hood you have no worries either way