green strings attached to my zoanthid?

[Boonjob]

yeah, im still upset that they didnt inform me about it being poisonous at all when I got it, and the guy that got it out of their tank just used his bare hands too, so I guess maybe he wasnt the most informed employee himself.

You really should be just fine, as several others have stated before; lots of people handle these things on a daily basis with no ill effects(just pay attention to what your doing when working around or handling them)... But this is a good time to look back on your coral buying guidelines... Even though they should have mentioned it, It would be a good idea for you to research and know 100%  of the facts and data on what your about to put into your tank before you buy(for cases such as these)... With that being stated, it may have just been assumed you knew already(not taking anyones side on this, just listing why he might not have said anything)

[Kenn]

yeah, im still upset that they didnt inform me about it being poisonous at all when I got it, and the guy that got it out of their tank just used his bare hands too, so I guess maybe he wasnt the most informed employee himself.

I really want this to come across nicely so please take it this way

You are really too worried about it being poisonous. almost ALL corals have a chemical defense mechanism. It,the poison, needs to be ingested or get into the bloodstream to do harm to humans. Its not a "contact poison". * see note below *All that is needed is that you take precautions in handling them. Wash your hands when you are done and all it good. We all use household cleaners that are VERY poisonous but we dont think anything of it . we all reach in our tanks and handle the corals and clean up afterward. No worries.

As for the employee you referred to not informing you about any dangers... It's like buying a dog and the person who sold it to you didnt mention it has teeth and can bite . We have an excellent library available to members that can educate you on future corals you may want to get so you know what your in for.

I understand your concerns, and if it worries you that much you might want to keep a Fish Only tank. Other than that, just dont lick your hands after touching your corals and all will be fine.


*** NOTE ***

In the pursuit of Correct Information, it was brought to my attention that palytoxin CAN be absorbed dermally. However from the medical information I have found, the chances are about as likely as being struck by lightning. Just too many variables must be met. Not all Zoanthids produce palytoxin, and of the ones that do none have been found that can kill humans, short of ingestion. Palythoas on the other hand, ALL produce the toxin and are something to be extremely cautious of when handling.

With all that scary stuff said ... Just where gloves !   And if propagating ... Eye protection is always a must.

Thanks to Boonjob for bringing my error to my attention 

[Boonjob]

To add to kenn, I also have been to quite a few member's houses and a majority(I noticed you did yesterday kenn) use tongs of sorts to do all the in tank dabbling... this would greatly reduce your all ready reduced odds of coming across exposure to this... something as simple as a pair of bamboo grill skewers can be tailored into a pair of chopstick looking tongs with a piece of airline tubing and a rubberband... or you can go as sophisticated as as medical grade extended pliers in a frag kit for relatively cheap. If it really bothered ya

[Kenn]

To add to kenn, I also have been to quite a few member's houses and a majority(I noticed you did yesterday kenn) use tongs of sorts to do all the in tank dabbling

   I must admit Cody that I do that mainly to keep the oils and anything else I might have on my hands and arms out of the tank.

Although I will say it is good advice.

[Reefpete]

To add to kenn, I also have been to quite a few member's houses and a majority(I noticed you did yesterday kenn) use tongs of sorts to do all the in tank dabbling... this would greatly reduce your all ready reduced odds of coming across exposure to this... something as simple as a pair of bamboo grill skewers can be tailored into a pair of chopstick looking tongs with a piece of airline tubing and a rubberband... or you can go as sophisticated as as medical grade extended pliers in a frag kit for relatively cheap. If it really bothered ya

Sounds like someone has experience with chinese food! lol

[Boonjob]

Sounds like someone has experience with chinese food! lol

Though my slender figure would not deny you,  I can't take credit for it's simple design... There was a diy thread for a pair of "tongs" somewhere I don't remember and it was the lowest cost/simplest design on the thread...

[Reefpete]