What's the REAL DEAL with ICH/ICK?

[SteveR]

I've read some very informed threads on here about this. Most confirm (through various studies) that ICH does not simply lie dormant in the aquarium and it's mainly contracted from a new fish introduced (can take weeks) and usually a bout of stress in the tank will allow it a way in as their immune systems will be weakened.

So whats the real deal? Surely then if you had your tank set up for 3 years say, and didn't add new fish, surely even clown loaches couldn't get ick, even if they where stressed. I wonder if someone out there has the answer...

Before posting make sure you know about this thread

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18175&highlight=ich

Confirms what I have said up to a point.

 

[mshill90]

Just as with everything in this world, there is always and I mean ALWAYS things that we do not know.

We know things about cancer, but we don't know everything, and I would assume this is the same for costia, argulus, ich etc...

As the strain becomes resistant, I would assume that there are new things to be learned about it...

 

[12 Volt Man]

Surely then if you had your tank set up for 3 years say, and didn't add new fish, surely even clown loaches couldn't get ick, even if they where stressed

correct. the tomont stage of the lifecyle is only for a few days. after that, there is no ich hiding in your gravel.

I actually love ich as far as problems in aquariums go.

why? because it is incredibly easy to diagnose, treat and cure.

if thats the worst I have to deal with, thats fine with me.

also, its easy to catch early.

I have my own method of treatment that sort of developed from years of dealing with fairly resistant ich while I worked at the LFS , sort of a blend of the natural heat/salt cure but I add a bit of meds too.

works like a charm.

 

[SteveR]

correct. the tomont stage of the lifecyle is only for a few days. after that, there is no ich hiding in your gravel.

I actually love ich as far as problems in aquariums go.

why? because it is incredibly easy to diagnose, treat and cure.

if thats the worst I have to deal with, thats fine with me.

also, its easy to catch early.

I have my own method of treatment that sort of developed from years of dealing with fairly resistant ich while I worked at the LFS , sort of a blend of the natural heat/salt cure but I add a bit of meds too.
works like a charm.

Thanks man. So no one should be getting this disease in their tank if they add no fish and it's been setup for a long period? Clowns always concern me with it, I had it once 2 years ago but it was at a time I was adding more clowns. I've never had it since. Reassuring to know they can't get it if I don't add any more fish...easy to treat though!

 

[12 Volt Man]

correct. but clowns are more supceptible to ich.

so you may have an ich outbreak in a tank with clowns, and the other fish have only a few spots or none at all, while the clowns may be plastered.

quarentining your new clowns is a good idea.

 

[mshill90]

correct. but clowns are more supceptible to ich.

so you may have an ich outbreak in a tank with clowns, and the other fish have only a few spots or none at all, while the clowns may be plastered.

quarentining your new clowns is a good idea.

Quarantining ALL new fish is best.

 

[12 Volt Man]

^

very true.

 

[irishfan]

Ich is always talked about and I dont get it, because as far as problems with an aquarium go, it is a joke. It is so easy to get rid of and diagnose like said above, and the treatment can be done with no meds.

So simple. Ppl seem to have the opinion that it lays dormant and can come out when fish get really stressed. Hmm. I guess. Is it the same as having tuberculosis dormant within your own body? I do. And I have never "had" it. Because it is easy to not be sick and take care of yourself. I dont think Ich can ever pop up on its own in a tank without the addition of a new fish...unless you are an idiot and dont change water/crazy overstocked, etc.

Ive had a 90 running for over 3 years consistently. Never had ich or any major problem. I had good filtration, not too overstocked, and am a freak about fresh water for them. Ich is so easy to avoid and prevent, and im always so amazed by how many ppl recommend stupid meds and dumb advice, and im amazed by those who loose like 10 fish from it.

 

[SteveR]

I would quarentine all fish (esp clowns) if I could but I simply don't have the luxury of 2 tanks. I used to own a small one but didn't see the point in it running constantly with nothing in it / and or guppies so I sold it. It matters less to me now as gonna try and stop buying fish. I am overstocked anyway!

 

[SteveR]

Ich is always talked about and I dont get it, because as far as problems with an aquarium go, it is a joke. It is so easy to get rid of and diagnose like said above, and the treatment can be done with no meds.

So simple. Ppl seem to have the opinion that it lays dormant and can come out when fish get really stressed. Hmm. I guess. Is it the same as having tuberculosis dormant within your own body? I do. And I have never "had" it. Because it is easy to not be sick and take care of yourself. I dont think Ich can ever pop up on its own in a tank without the addition of a new fish...unless you are an idiot and dont change water/crazy overstocked, etc.

Ive had a 90 running for over 3 years consistently. Never had ich or any major problem. I had good filtration, not too overstocked, and am a freak about fresh water for them. Ich is so easy to avoid and prevent, and im always so amazed by how many ppl recommend stupid meds and dumb advice, and im amazed by those who loose like 10 fish from it.

Amen to that. I agree you simply do not need meds to treat it. Heat alone or heat and salt. 32 kills it, 30 stops it reproducing, hold at 30 for 2 weeks to be sure, its dead from everything in the tank, sorted.