Contaminating Tank Water...

[Kaidonni]

So, I was messing about with the tank tonight after giving the female Minnow an epsom salt dip to deal with potential constipation/egg-binding. I was making sure the return flow of the filter was pointed as far as it could go since I had to remove the lid and remove some tank water in order to do the dip; I topped up by less than I removed - removed 1 & 1/2 litres, topped up by 1 litre - so I had to alter the filter height. After everything was put back and the power was on, queue my obsessive compulsive pushing of the return flow until I was convinced it wouldn't go any further.
 
Now, I have some latex-free gloves that I use for times like this so I don't have to obsessively wash my hands thoroughly in cold water prior to messing about in the tank. I just lightly swilled them in cold water before putting on the gloves and going about the epsom salt dip; I had previously washed my hands and arms in soap (and I use a lot of soap). However, while I was messing with the filter, I noticed it was tilted more than usual, so I tried to tilt it back...which is when I dipped my hand too deep into the water - my bare wrist went into the tank water and the glove was also filled with tank water. I was quick to get my hand out, but now I'm worrying a little bit about any soap particles getting into the water. Should the fish be fine, or should I be worrying?

 

[ester]

What size gallon tank do you have? I would just do a large water change. 
 
My dad put his arm in my 29 gallon and afterwards he stared at me and said he had sunscreen on...
 
I've also dipped my hand in my 29 and 55 gallon after washing my hands, nothing has happened yet.
 
I wouldn't be too worried, but maybe someone with more knowledge could back me up or give a diff opinion.

 

[Ltygress]

As long as you rinsed well after washing, it should be fine. I had a problem recently with oil getting into my tank (it's actually a fragrance oil I use to make my candles). Now THAT is dangerous because it spreads across the top and suffocates fish. So I did the ONLY thing I knew to fix it. I got an eyedropper and put a single drop of liquid dish soap in there. As soon as it hit the surface, the oil snapped back and disappeared.

But not one single fish fell ill or died from it. It was a single drop, but it was also NOT watered down or weakened like soap on your hands might be. I just made sure the activated carbon in my filter media was refreshed to remove the soap afterwards, and hoped for the best. I was surprised I didn't have ANY problems. I guess one single drop in a 37-gallon isn't a big deal at all.

Actually, now that I think about it, there weren't just fish in there. I also have shrimp! And the only one of those that has died recently, had necrosis when I first got her, so it was totally expected anyway.

 

[Kaidonni]

What size gallon tank do you have? I would just do a large water change. 
 
My dad put his arm in my 29 gallon and afterwards he stared at me and said he had sunscreen on...
 
I've also dipped my hand in my 29 and 55 gallon after washing my hands, nothing has happened yet.
 
I wouldn't be too worried, but maybe someone with more knowledge could back me up or give a diff opinion.

 
It's 46-50 litres when filled to the level I fill it.
 
A large water change late at night isn't really an option, and I do a 50% every weekend anyway (due to time constraints, I might have to do it on Saturday this week - I'll still do the filter on Sunday, though). I can't get myself too worked up, not any longer, not like I used to.
 
 

As long as you rinsed well after washing, it should be fine. I had a problem recently with oil getting into my tank (it's actually a fragrance oil I use to make my candles). Now THAT is dangerous because it spreads across the top and suffocates fish. So I did the ONLY thing I knew to fix it. I got an eyedropper and put a single drop of liquid dish soap in there. As soon as it hit the surface, the oil snapped back and disappeared.

But not one single fish fell ill or died from it. It was a single drop, but it was also NOT watered down or weakened like soap on your hands might be. I just made sure the activated carbon in my filter media was refreshed to remove the soap afterwards, and hoped for the best. I was surprised I didn't have ANY problems. I guess one single drop in a 37-gallon isn't a big deal at all.

Actually, now that I think about it, there weren't just fish in there. I also have shrimp! And the only one of those that has died recently, had necrosis when I first got her, so it was totally expected anyway.

 
I didn't rinse as thoroughly as I'd normally do. The whole idea was that, with the gloves on, I wouldn't need to worry about not rinsing thoroughly because my hands themselves wouldn't be in the water. I do recall doing it at least once before, can't exactly remember when but it was definitely in the past month or so when I was messing around with things.