Ich Treatment Duration

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greenmonkey51

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 20, 2006
10
0
31
38
Nebraska
Have you tested your water?
Yes
If yes, what is your ammonia?
0
If yes, what is your nitrite?
0
If yes, what is your nitrate?
10
If I did not test my water...
  1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.
Do you do water changes?
Yes
What percentage of water do you change?
31-40%
How frequently do you change your water?
Every week
If I do not change my water...
  1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.
I have a 75g with mainly Krobia Xinguiensis and various tetra, cory, and a blue panaque. I noticed Ich on the Krobia on 9/14. Immediately started treating with Ich X and daily water changes. Unfortunately most of the Krobia have not made it. Two are left which despite one being clear and the other almost there. I have little hope they’ll make it. Rest of fish in the tank have no signs and never really had any signs.

Starting to think about the next step and having the tank safe to try Krobia again. My question is how long to continue treating with Ich X. I’ve seen various recommendations up to 3 weeks, but some variation between from total treatment duration to 3 weeks post last sign.
 
I’d say 7-10 days after the last spot has disappeared.
 
At a temperature above 77F, the ich full lifecycle is 3-6 days, and it typically cannot go faster than 3 days. So treating for an additional 7-10 days after the last white spot seen makes sense to take care of any late ich bloomers. You wouldn't need 3 weeks for treating ICH-X unless you are treating cold water fish (temperature 60F or so).
 
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Just curious, but does anyone know if the tomont stage can withstand drying? Nothing I’ve seen suggests it can, but I can’t find any confirmation either. I’m also curious what temperature instantly/quickly kills. I know it would be higher than a fish could survive.
 
May of found my answer. This was for marine Ich, but I have imagine there should be some overlap. Looks like heat over 104 for an hour or 24 hour desiccation should kill Ich. This does jive with some of our disinfection procedures at work for aquatic invasive species.

 
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