[joecon]

to start the siphon. I know there are better ways to start a siphon, but I just decided to suck on the hose (I know...stupid) to start it. Any ideas as to the types of nasty bacteria in the water? Should I be concerned? My girlfriend told me to eat some yogurt to kill the bacteria....does that make sense??

Any info is much appreciated, thanks!

[Reefland]

Hi joecon,

Well I too sometimes get a little mouthful of water when starting a siphon for a water change but I'm pretty quick to spit it out. I don't think you have anything to worry about really especially if it was a smaller amount. If anything to do you might try to drink several glasses of water. You know what they say, the solution to pollution is dilution.

[Fish R.Ph.]

Originally Posted by joecon

to start the siphon. I know there are better ways to start a siphon, but I just decided to suck on the hose (I know...stupid) to start it. Any ideas as to the types of nasty bacteria in the water? Should I be concerned? My girlfriend told me to eat some yogurt to kill the bacteria....does that make sense??

Any info is much appreciated, thanks!

You probably don't have anything to worry about. If you actually swallowed the water, you may get a mild case of diarrhea. Drink an extra glass or two of H20. The yogurt isn't a bad suggestion. It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a non-pathogenic microorganism.

For your reading pleasure, here is a little blurb about yogurt from a web site called PDR Health

Yogurt is a coagulated milk product that results from the fermentation of milk by the bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. In addition to L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus, other members of the Lactobacillus genus, such as L. acidophilus and other lactic acid-bacteria, can be used in the process of producing yogurt. Collectively, the bacteria used to make yogurt are called lactic acid bacteria (LAB). All of the LAB produce lactic acid. The acid fermentation curdles the milk and preserves it from putrefaction and spoilage. For centuries, many have believed that fermented milk products such as yogurt are beneficial for health. Elie Metchnikoff, the father of modern immunology, wrote in his book, The Prolongation of Life: Optimistic Studies, that yogurt was beneficial for gastrointestinal health, as well as for the promotion of longevity. Some recent research on yogurt suggests that it may have immunostimulatory effects, as well as other benefits…..



There is some evidence that the bacterial components of yogurt can protect against some gastrointestinal tract infections. Some studies have shown that yogurt products can enhance recovery from some forms of diarrhea. Yogurt has also been used with some success to help restore intestinal microflora diminished by antibiotic treatment. Yogurt is also helpful in some with lactose intolerance.

Don't know if that makes the yogurt more or LESS appealing! In the pharmacy we usually recommend it to prevent vaginal yeast infections associated with antibiotic use.


Anyway, if you do get some mild diarrhea, don't try to stop it right away, as it is probably helping you rid yourself of the bacteria. If it persists for more than 24 hours or if a fever develops...call your MD.

-Jason

[yankeebobo]

Yogurt - yup. JoAnne gives it to our dogs in their diet regularly to prevent - yup, bacterial infections. Jason's book above certainly explains a lot. But yes, it's all true and people do eat it just for health aid.

Little water - no worry. But after some of the readings around here, I'd find another way. Got an extra power head?

[John Hamilton]

He has not responded since yesterday, he may be dead.

[joecon]

Originally Posted by John Hamilton

He has not responded since yesterday, he may be dead.

I am not dead!!!!! Thanks for the replies everyone. I was just concerned because a member here was complaining about severe itching on one or a few of his fingers due to a possible infection from tank water. I figured, "Crap, if there is THAT much bacteria in the water to cause an infection on a finger, should I be concerned with swallowing tank water???" Well, I took my GF's advice and ate some yogurt (glad to see some validity to that) I thought she was justtricking me into eating more healthy foods LOL.

Anyway, not dead, no diarrhea, I feel fine

Thanks

[Reefland]

Yeah those would be my fingers!

[Poseidon]

Glad to hear you are OK!

[yankeebobo]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Yeah those would be my fingers!

You know - once you get this taken care of, you'll have to bronze them up. They are famous now.

[Reefland]

Either that or maybe I should take a mold of them now so the bumps last forever!

[John Hamilton]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Either that or maybe I should take a mold of them now so the bumps last forever!

Hmm, two fingers with bumps, this may be the wrong forum for you. Keep your hand in your pocket whenever you are in the vegetable aisle.

[almostdiva]

Jo,

I used to swallow tank water REGULARLY, until I got good at figuring out how to tell when to stop (just enough to get the siphon to run, not enough to swallow! ) And I have no adverse effects to report.