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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to fancy having a fish pedicure?

110 replies

Icelollycraving · 14/05/2011 18:10

I do not like fish near me in the sea but I really fancy those little buggers nibbling off my dead skin. It disgusts me & intrigues me in equal measures! Be nice to get silky tootsies for once!

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 14/05/2011 18:12

no no no.... dont do it!

there are lots of hygiene concerns about these fish spa places, and in America many states have actually banned them now.

There is also the animal cruelty issue too, as they might only be fish, but they are being abused.

Get a pumice stone!!! Grin

onebigchocolatemess · 14/05/2011 18:15

Oh I have had this done. Its not cruel, they wouldn't eat it if they didn't want too. Can't comment on the hygiene thing - that all erupted after I had mine done.

All I can say is one session is not enough to make any significant difference. I was half expecting my feet to be shiny and new when I pulled them out the water but noooo.

Was a good laugh non the less ;0)

MaeMobley · 14/05/2011 18:16

YANBU but you will be disappointed.

I had one in Singapore. I was really looking forward to it after some episode of Ugly Betty but the results are disappointing. You are better off having a proper medical pedicure if you want your feet to look good.

However it is an interesting experience. I was more grossed out than I thought I would be.

Imnotaslimjim · 14/05/2011 18:17

How can they be cruel? Our local one actually closes temporarily when the fish are being unco-operative (ie, they are full)

I'm having one done next week and I can't wait!

DillyDaydreaming · 14/05/2011 18:18

YANBU to fancy the idea, I do too but what puts me off is the lack of info in the spas about the welfare of the fish. Just a big ad ( usually featuring a big grinning fish) and bugger all about the care of the fish. From what I have seen the filtration systems are not adequate and the staff have NO idea about what care the fish need.
All that is enough to put me off.

woollyideas · 14/05/2011 18:18

I've also heard about the cruelty issue... :(

DillyDaydreaming · 14/05/2011 18:20

They are banned due to hygiene and health risks in some parts of the world. It's good to hear some close at times when the fish need rest. Sadly I suspect establishments like that are in the minority.

figgygal · 14/05/2011 18:20

It is cruel they r kept in glass boxes with nowhere to hide or stimulate them the water always looks less than clean and do they have any filtration systems?

Can't wait until the fad has passed its all In very bad taste IMO

BluddyMoFo · 14/05/2011 18:22

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BluddyMoFo · 14/05/2011 18:22

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fatlazymummy · 14/05/2011 18:23

I don't understand why anyone would think this was a good idea. Would you let animals nibble other parts of your body as a part of your grooming routine?
Just buy a footfile/ped egg and some foot cream, or pay for a proper chirophody treatment.

FanjoForTheMusic · 14/05/2011 18:24

Surely the fish poo in the water? Where does it go?

peeriebear · 14/05/2011 18:24

The ones that were closed down in the US were using different fish, that have teeth. that's why they were shut!

LadyGrace · 14/05/2011 18:24

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DillyDaydreaming · 14/05/2011 18:25

This site looks good, it's in Cardiff but stresses the welfare of the fish. Would be happy to go here.

mumatron · 14/05/2011 18:25

Dd had one for her birthday last week. She loved it.

LadyGrace · 14/05/2011 18:25

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icooksocks · 14/05/2011 18:25

Well I hdit done at my local fish footspa-and whilst sat there the manager was talking to me about how they are looked after, exactly how he has to clean the filters, how to feed them and how he has to get the chemical levels just right. I suspect that they do indeed have training-its more wether or not the individual then looks after them.

BluddyMoFo · 14/05/2011 18:26

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DillyDaydreaming · 14/05/2011 18:31

In many places the filtration systems are not up to the job - this is not scaremongering, just having a bit of concern about lesser species. Go if you want to girls but if you can shrug off concerns about animal/fish welfare then so be it.
There is nothing wrong in these spas but think we should vote with our brain and actually check out how the fish who are servicing our feet are cared for. That way everyone (including the fish) benefit.

MrsDrOwenHunt · 14/05/2011 18:32

lololol at fish welfare!!

BluddyMoFo · 14/05/2011 18:42

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magnolia74 · 14/05/2011 18:46

Just had it done at center parcs....

FUCKING AWFUL!!!!!! They are vigorous little buggers Shock

Longtalljosie · 14/05/2011 18:46

I went and it was fab - my feet look great.

Beforehand I had to wash my feet in a little shower and dry them on a dryer which also had ultraviolet light.

After they sprayed me with more antibacterial stuff.

The fish were in sparkling clean tanks, and they are cleaned out every day.

DillyDaydreaming · 14/05/2011 18:48

Why lol at "fish welfare" or does the fish being a lesser creature mean you can use and abuse it?

Seriously - why would you want to contribute to suffering?

There are evidently places which DO take the welfare of the fish seriously. It makes sense to use them.

I am dying to use a fish spa but I will NOT contribute cash to any company which acts in a disposable "more where they came from" attitude.

Why is that wrong?

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