How can I overcome my fear of fish-tank water?
I love having responsibility for them, but I can barely bring myself to clean the algae off the side of the tank or anything that involves putting my hand in the water.
We've had fish in the past which have died, and although they have been removed, putting my hand in there still feels like touching a dead animal, which leads to me washing my hands all the time afterwards.
Please, if you know a way I can overcome this fear, help me!
Thanks everyone.
(And sorry, I didn't really know what topic to put this in)
Answer:
I really feel for you, and I don't think your problem is silly. You obviously have some genuine phobia. I'm sure people are scared of things much "sillier" than you!
Just try to put your hand in, a little at a time, and then try to either put your hand in deeper, or for a few more seconds. Just build it up slowly.
If the Algae in the water becomes too great, it can provide an unsafe condition for the fish, as it alters the water condition and removes the oxygen which the fish need for survival. So you need to overcome this fear in order to care for them effectively.
I have lots of fish at home, across 3 separate tanks and sometimes I get up and find one has died in the night. It is very sad and I don't like touching them either, however while there is slight bacteria, most of which is natural because the fish has not started to decompose (the water delays this). There is bacteria around us 24/7 - we just don't realise it. It's wise to wash your hands but not over and over again. One wash with soap and hot water is sufficient to kill any germs which may be present!
Check out the link below - hope this helps!
I say just stick your hand in the water for 10 minutes everyday for the next 21 days and you will lose the fear of the water. Talk to someone about it that will not make fun of you and will support you, ask them to come with you and help you follow through.
It would seem that the simple solution would be to wear rubber gloves. If it is a really deep tank, you could get a "calving" glove. This is a glove that goes up past the elbow...used by vets when delivering calves. You can buy them at veterinary supply stores.
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