How to put my hands in my aquarium safely?

I've read that I should wash my hands - I've read that I shouldn't....what do all of you have to say?



I have to replant a new piece of java fern that came up while I was vacuuming the tank....



Wouldn't want to accidentally harm any fish....



Thanks all y'all....

How to put my hands in my aquarium safely?
Just make sure your hands are clean of any debris and you don't have lotion, cleaners or soap residue on your hands and it will be fine. A note about java ferns they don't do well planted it will do much better if you anchor it to a rock or piece off driftwood. Just tie it on with a clean piece of fishing line, once it anchors itself with its roots you can remove the fishing line.
Reply:Java fern won't grow buried in the gravel, it should be gently attached to driftwood or rocks. Rinse your hands well before putting them in the tank,then wash well after.
Reply:Well, it depends. do you have a salt water tank or regular tropical? Salt water is much more involved and sensitive... I have a tropical tank and I make sure my hands are clean before putting them in but I do make sure they are clear of soap or any cleaners at the time.. Just make sure to rinse your hands very very very well with water prior to putting them in. good luck.
Reply:Just dive on in....I`m always playing around in my tanks...it don`t hurt em.
Reply:You can put your clean hand into the water any time you want



No problem

Just be sure you do not have hand lotion on them or any other girl things that make your ----hands---- and

-------finger nails -----nice looking and feeling



I've been an owner and user of multi aquariums I have a 75 and and a 55 gallon in operation now
Reply:Watch if you have moisturiser / soap or other makeup etc on your hands. Your fish WILL NOT like it.



If in doubt just wash down your hands with clean warm water - no soap.



Also a good idea to wash your hands after they have been in the tank, even a well maintained tank isn't actually a very clean place.



But no need to be paranoid about it.



Ian
Reply:Don't worry too much about it just make sure that you don't have really dirty hands. I put my hands into my tank all the time and my fish are ok. If you are worried just wash your hands in warm water before you put them in the tank.
Reply:try to put them in clean, like no debris or dirt, but don't wash your hands with soap, cause that could kill them too. rinse your hand with water.