soaps and other chemical dangers

[netafish]

Lately I have been doing aquarium style "interior decorating" quite frequently lately and have become quite concerned about residue soap getting into the tanks water and harming the inhabitants. I have always rinsed my hand thoroughly, but I know that unless you want to spend 1/2 hour rinsing you will not get all of the soap off. I also notice that after rinsing there is still a soap smell. I am wondering how much of a concern it is about this. I also do not run chemical filteration (activated carbon) which adds to my worries. Im wondering if there is a significant threat to my tank.

Cheers

[Big Dave]

Tricky question here! I never reach into my tank if I have been using any kind of gas, bleach, strong chems, etc, for at least 8 hours and many many scrubings. But during everyday ho-hum stuff. I will just rinse my hands in hot/warm water for a minute or so. Sometimes I use a clean wash cloth for scrubing purposes but no soap. I would just hate to cause something to meltdown or die because I had something left on my hands. Also, perfumes and cologne are other things that can stay on your hands for a while as well.

Of course, we all know we should keep our hands out of the tank, but I know I'm real great about following that rule myself! HTH

-Big Dave