Does anyone have any experience being allergic to a freshwater fish tank? I have always had allergies, i’ve blamed, dust, mold, my cats etc. But it occurred to me the other day that it is my fish tanks. I have a 55 gal, a 29 and two 20 gallons. in at least two of the tanks My arm will break out in a rash and itch if I leave it in there a while (while cleaning it). it has nothing to do with the plants in them because I have gotten this rash for years and just started keeping planted aquariums this year. When I do aquarium maintenance I will experience sneezing, itchy throat, watery eyes etc. I currently take zyrtec and also have tried benadryl. The rash fades very quickly, but the sneezing and runny nose last longer.
Has anyone ever consulted a doctor about this? What was the allergen? Algae? a chemical? I am not allergic to shellfish and keep a wide variety of fish so I am thinking it is not the fish, but something growing in the water. How can I figure this out?