This is obviously a weird question, but you’d be surprised to learn that this isn’t that uncommon, especially for aquarium enthusiasts. Most of the time, people accidentally drink aquarium water when they are starting a siphon and have to suck water through a hose.

So, can you drink aquarium water? The answer to your question is yes. Drinking a small amount of water out of your aquarium will likely do nothing to you. Although it can introduce hosts of new bacteria to your digestive system, it isn’t usually life-threatening to you. But does that mean that you should drink out of your aquarium? Well, read on to find out what aquarium water contains and why you or your cat shouldn’t drink it.

Can You Drink Out of Fish Tank Water?

As we have explained earlier, you can. But you absolutely should not. The sheer fact that your fish poop in it, alone should be enough for you to figure out that you should not drink water from your aquarium. Also, if you remember correctly, you had to dechlorinate the water before putting it inside your aquarium. It is an essential step to ensure that your fishes remain healthy as well as beneficial bacteria can grow inside your fish tank.

While this certainly is good for the aquarium, it certainly isn’t for your digestive system. Bacteria that are essential for healthy water quality like Mycobacterium marinum, can cause several intestines, skin, and tissue infections in humans. Also, parasites like Giardia, often found in fish tanks, can cause diarrhea and lead to bloody stool.

Not all of these parasites are harmful to fish, but can certainly be harmful to mammals. So, even though you can, there’s no logical reason to drink your aquarium water. But you still went ahead and did it anyway? Well, don’t worry, we’ve explained what happens when you drink aquarium water below.

What Happens When You Accidentally Drink Aquarium Water?

Again, if your fish tank is healthy, and so are the fishes you’ve kept in it, you probably won’t get sick by drinking a little water from it accidentally. Having said that, here are some of the most commonly found pathogens and organisms in fish tanks around the world that can make you sick, especially if you have a weaker stomach.

1. Aeromoniasis

Most commonly found in freshwater and fish tanks, Aeromonas bacteria can infect both fish and humans. It can either infect you through an open wound or by drinking water from contaminated sources. Luckily though, it doesn’t transfer from person to person. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans.

2. Salmonellosis

Normally there aren’t any salmonella bacteria in fish tanks. However, if your fish tank has reptiles or amphibians, it can contain salmonella. What’s concerning is that aquarium pets infected with salmonella do not exhibit any signs of illness. So, take extra care and wash your hands properly after you’ve handled your aquarium pets. When infected with salmonella, you may experience stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea.

3. Granuloma

Mycobacterium or granuloma can be found both in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. If your aquarium fishes look pale or deformed, they are most likely infected with granuloma. And when entered into the human body, it can spread throughout the body and might require antibiotics treatment.

4. Vibriosis

Vibrio bacteria can cause vibriosis and it can infect both you and your fish. It can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting in humans. However, like all other bacteria mentioned here, it mostly affects people with a weakened immune system. 

5. Ammonia Buildups

Over time, fish poop, uneaten feed, etc. can all cause significant ammonia buildup in your aquarium and it can cause severe symptoms in both you and your fish if you drink it. If the ammonia concentration is high enough, it can cause severe burns to the fish’s respiratory system. Similarly, it can cause choking and burning or irritating sensation in your lungs. If the concentration is too high, it can ever kill you.

So, refrain from performing siphon if you see any signs of illness in your fish.

Can Your Pets Drink from Aquarium?

That’s a big no again, from our side. Pets, especially cats and birds are particularly curious and can take a sip from your aquarium from time to time. while this may look harmless, as we’ve covered earlier, sickness in your fish isn’t easily visible most of the time. also, most of the pathogens and bacteria that can be relatively harmless to the fish can harm your pets.

So, even though the fish tank water is not usually poisonous to humans or pets, the consequences can be quite nasty.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Can humans get parasites from a fish tank?

Yes, humans can get parasites like TB (tuberculosis) from fish tanks. But it’s incredibly rare, especially in a healthy and properly-maintained fish tank.

Are there bacteria in the aquarium water?

Yes, there are bacteria in the aquarium water. In fact, bacteria are quite essential for maintaining aquarium water balance and most of them are not harmful to humans.

Can you purify aquarium water?

Yes, you can purify aquarium water. Use a reverse osmosis filter to do it. 

Can you touch fish tank water?

You can, but make sure that the tank is properly maintained and you have no open wound on your hand. Most parasites enter your body through open wounds.

End Notes

So yes, you won’t likely get killed by drinking aquarium water, but you shouldn’t take the risk either. You should even take necessary precautions to prevent yourself from accidentally drinking your fish tank water. Do the same for your pets, use a protective lid or cover for your aquarium to prevent your pets from drinking out of it.

We hope you found this helpful. Thanks for reading.