Breaking the Cycle of Ich

[TiberianSun]

So I've read several other posts, articles, and even talked to a few folks at the LFS about Ich. From this I have a question.....

If Ich is in the tank or omni-present how do you break the cycle when putting in a new fish? If we QT a fish to make sure it is healthy for 4-6 weeks then introduce it into the DT tank doesn't this cause stress which could cause the fish to get ich?

I'm sure we are like many others; but we have lost our fair share of fish to Ich. In 2012 we lost a Kole Tang, Orange Shoulder Tang, Bi-Color Angel, and I think the Flame Angel died from ich. Also recently we added a Kole Tang & Orange Shoulder tang and both were doing great for abotu 3 days then started showing ich signs.

It always seems to be the new ones that are just added to the tank, but historically we have not used a QT tank. We acclimate them through a drip process then add them to the tank.

The fish that have had no or minimal issues:

Sailfin Tang - showed some signs of ich but made it through.
Emperor Angel - showed white spots for a few days but that was it.
Wrasses - never shown any signs.

We buy from reputable sources but still the fish will be stressed and we understand that.

Thanks and I'm just looking for any thoughts.

 

[Guest]

It is my understanding that ich can be completely eradicated from a system. To do this, you would need to have a large enough QT setup to house all of your fish during this process. You would need to let the DT sit fallow (fish less) for 6-8 weeks. Some people would tell you to treat the fish in QT with copper or use hypo salinity.

After that process, every new fish, coral, or invert or even live rock would have to go through a 4-6 week QT process. Obviously, you wouldnt treat the inverts or coral or live rock with copper or hypo. The life cycle of ich needs a host fish to complete its life cycle.

I don't QT fish personally, I think it stresses them out more than the ich could. But, I have also lost a few fish from it.

I hope that helps.