I know that some folks use full length gloves... I don't. I make sure I have clean and dry hands... nothing on them. It is probably not a best practice....but the way I manage my tanks over the years. Noiw that I have a newer....deeper tank.... I am going to have to come up with another game plan. Perhaps get some sort of grippers... that wont rust and corode in a salt environment. That said, I am sure if I can reach it without diving in... I probably will do it bare handed.