Could sunscreen cause damage to our tanks?

[SandJ]

ok, so the answer is probably obvious. Just something I have thought about. I've always been super cautious of the products I use around my tank, as many of us are. But I know sometimes I slip up or there are times when it is out of my control (tank sitters). When I see people with tank crashes, RTN, etc... I sometimes wonder if products such as sunscreen could be the cause. Guest applying spray sunscreen in the house, using moisturizers/makeup that contain sunscreen....

How long after application can it have an affect? Will showering remove ALL the sunscreen or can some still linger on the skin?

Studies show that sunscreen can harm the coral reefs, but are there any studies about aquariums and sunscreen?

I know a lot of these answers would be pure speculation (if there is research that would be awesome, please share!!!). Just wanted to hear others opinions on the topic

 

[Squid]

Studies show that sunscreen can harm the coral reefs, but are there any studies about aquariums and sunscreen?

Why test on a smaller scale when the large scale research has already been done and shows sunscreen has ill effects on coral reefs?

 

[SandJ]

Why test on a smaller scale when the large scale research has already been done and shows sunscreen has ill effects on coral reefs?

My thinking was yes we know it is bad for reefs. But we are not swimming in our tanks or introducing it on purpose. Is it possible that we could have enough residual sunscreen on us, even with precautions, that could account for some tank crashes or other events like RTN that there are no other obvious causes?

What amount of sunscreen could actually cause damage to corals in a tank?

 

[SeaDweller]

My thinking was yes we know it is bad for reefs. But we are not swimming in our tanks or introducing it on purpose. Is it possible that we could have enough residual sunscreen on us, even with precautions, that could account for some tank crashes or other events like RTN that there are no other obvious causes?

What amount of sunscreen could actually cause damage to corals in a tank?

Probably not too much. I mean think how much dilution occurs in the ocean when we apply thin layers to our bodies and enter the water. It's a cumulative effect in the real world setting, but in sure having some on your arm isn't good.

I almost made that mistake last night. Had some lotion with a little SPF in it. Then I decided not to touch my tank until tonight. After a shower I have no issues sticking my arm in.