Ending hypo soon... Question

[gatorcsm]

So, I'm coming down to around 30 days in hypo on my main tank, all the inverts/rock has been removed to separate system. I want to switch out the substrate to sand. That brought up a thought: Can ick or any other parasite for that matter (that would have died in hypo) have a way to survive in the substrate in some pocket of slightly higher salinity? Seems unlikely, as over the course of even a few days, any small low flow areas should have disipated, but since they are more dense, was worrying that they could sit in pockets in the bottom.
So, question really is, can ick remain dormant in the substrate and then be released once it gets stirred up while removing it? Should I remove the substrate and replace while in hypo to help reduce any possibilities...?
Thanks,
Gator

 

[beth]

Ich really is not going to bury itself within the substrate. The parasite is host dependent [on fish tissue] for survival. Ich can not survive both hypo and a prolonged period without the host. Either things would kill ich...both is double security.

 

[gatorcsm]

You don't think that the replacement of the live rock (which has been in it's own tank) (cured) and the new live sand with what is in refugium would be enough to keep bio-filter going? It is 120# of rock going back into tank... Shouldn't that keep it from cycling?
I almost forgot... I'm also adding a new sump and fuge, and the new refugium is going to house about 30-40% of the old cc.. Didn't want to see it go to waste... I'm going to leave some of the cc in the tank (maybe another 10%)
Let me know what you think, Your advice/console has been of great assistance in the past. It is always welcome.
That purple tang is still doing great, and it almost back to original 'size/weight' Can't thank you and beth enough for that one.
Thanks,
Gator

 

[beth]

Sounds like a good plan to me!