I originally pOsted this in the into, but I figured it would be better here:
First, I wanted to say hello. Then I wanted to ask about this because I Had a friend who introduced me to aquariums and I got really excited about getting one.

The problem is that I have a disease called sjogrens which is similar to lupus. One reason why I wanted to get an aquarium was because of the calming affects of it because this disease stresses me out, so I put it up on a sjogrens forum, and someone mentioned this bacteria. I looked it up and I'm just really upset because I was excited about this, but it said the bacteria is a lot worse in those with immune system problems (me).

Do you guys have any suggestions? Anyone with diabetes/aids or anything still have an aquarium? What can be done to avoid it? I had completely decided against it last week, and now I'm thinking about it again.

Thanks for any answers.

Sorry about your health problem. Did a Google on Sjogrens. I have Scleroderma and many of your symptoms are the same as mine. I know what you mean by being stressed out.

My Rheumatologist has never mentioned anything about being more susceptible to certain bacteria’s. Maybe I don’t have to worry about that. I’ve been careful to wash my hands and arms before I reach into the water. Probably would not be a bad idea to wash again after I do.

Just a suggestion, you could buy those rubber gloves people use to wash dishes.



DLH

Thank you for the response. Is scleradoma an autoimmune disease? I assume so if you see a rheumatologist. An Im not sure if we get it easier, but I do know the severity is much worse. They suggest to wear aquarium gloves that are waterproof, and if you have a cut, not to do anything with it. It can get extremely bad with people who have autoimmune disorders.

Yes, it is an autoimmune problem. Scleroderma means "hard skin". I started to list the problems it can cause but this is not the place. If you would like to talk about our health problems some more I suggest we either go to the chat room or PM each other.

DLH

I understand. It's okay. If you would like to talk about it, that's fine. I'm glad someone else with an autoimmune is an aquarist. I think I'm going to press my luck and get one.

Interesting. I'm always worried about what I am putting into the tank from my hands and never thought about the reverse. I don't know squat about the disease you mentioned but I suspect if you are careful you won't have a problem. I try to keep my tanks nearly spotless and do wc's every week, etc. Perhaps keeping yours very clean would reduce any organisms that might harm.

One thing that did occur to me is when you siphon to do water changes (wc's) don't do the suck on the hose like I do. Use one of the ones that start without that stealing gas technique from the 1960's. I do it because it is quick and I am pretty lucky not to get infections of any sort other than maybe a cold every two years.

I think my life would be of much less quality if I did not have these aquariums to look at and keep up. Mine are both pets and an art form from nature with just a touch from me. A perfect combination in my mind

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60g tall, all artificial plants, Rainbow tank; 55g for African Cichlids. 20g long for fry; 20g hex, 2 black Angels at my desk; 10g planted, with 50 Molly fry; 10 gal, 2x 13w cfl lightning, planted; 2g hex for "Buddy the Betta"; Wanting a 200g +, MTS getting bad.

Thank you so much for the great response. The bacteria actually gets in you by cuts. Even with people without an autoimmune disease. It's just worse in U's. One girl I saw on YouTube from a news cast may have to have her hand amputated because she cut it whenpulling it out of the aquarium.