Swallowing tank- water...

[FloridaChris]

Hey guys,
Odd topic name, I know. Let me explain. I started my system last Thurs, went to the store Friday to get fish and Tank starter. While pouring the starter into the fish tank and the bell siphon kicking off, some of the water splashed into my mouth. Well since Friday night, I have had a sore throat. It hasn't been bad enough to need to go to the doctor, which I try to avoid regardless, but was just concerned. Can tank water, if swallowed, cause my sore throat or is it just me running on E and need to take a rest?

[David - WI]

Did you swallow tank water or ammonia? Ammonia is bad stuff: http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/ ... eneral.htm
"Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat and stomach."

[FloridaChris]

David - I didn't add any ammonia to my system, just the API Tank Starter. I am really hoping it is me just getting a minor flu, not that I want to get sick.

[keith_r]

don't use any more of those "tank starters"! those aren't mean for aquaponic systems..(and most are bunk) and some are downright not good for you..
when adding something to water, it's most likely "water" that splashed out (that's why you add acid to water, so if there is a splash, it will most likely be water)
what "tank starter" was it?

i'd say that it isn't likely the tank water gave you a soar throat..

[FloridaChris]

It was API Quik Start. The link is below. The guy at PetSmart, who is also an aquaponic gardener, recommended it. I know not everyone know what they're talking about and should be taken with a grain of salt. I've just been in a rush and anxious to start my system.... Patience.... I learned it with homebrewing, seemed to forgotten it already!

http://www.apifishcare.com/Products/Pro ... ductID=642

[JCO]

The guy at PetSmart, who is also an aquaponic gardener, recommended it.

I'm in total agreement with Keith_r on this one. Apparently the guy at PetSmart isn't much of an Aquaponic gardener or he wouldn't have told you to use it in the first place. Just a thought.

The best way to start a system other than putting your hands in your pockets and enjoying the sunset is to put in used filter material from an up and running system or aquarium.

[davidstcldfl]

I agree with Keith and JCO.
If your thinking about products from the pet stores....look for the words on the lable that say...safe for fish for human consumption...or something to that effect

The petsmart guy may very well be an aquaponics guy, but he's an even better employee. He made sure he had some of Chris's money in the register before he left the store.. :P

As far as swalloing system water...and wether it'll make you sick or not.
I've read about and have seen folks in person 'drink' water from a 'mature system' durring tours, to show how well and/or safe the veggies and fish are, growing in an aquaponic system....
No, I haven't done it. But I still drink out of a garden hose once in awhile....

[FloridaChris]

Damn... sounds like I got swindled and I must be getting sick. I'm just on a "lose lose" streak now.

[keith_r]

it'll pass Chris..
sometimes it seems like the learning curve is steep, but like you said,, take what you read with a grain of salt, ask questions, look for data, and make an educated decision..
good luck!