Hypothetical QT to DT Question

hogcr8

Member
My QT has been set up for 3 weeks now and I don't plan on putting any fish in it for some time due to travel for work. I wanted to ask this question however. My 90 DT has no issues with ICH (that I know of) at this time. Once I am done traveling I plan on using the QT to add more fish (probably 8 to 10 weeks from now).
Here's the question.
I have been feeding my fish fresh garlic which can help them build an immune system against ICH (or so I understand). If I get new fish, QT them for 4 weeks with no issues, acclimate them to the DT and they get a little stressed due to the acclimation process can ICH appear in my DT due to the stressed fish? I know this may be hard to answer but I am just trying to get as much knowledge about QT'ing as I can since I just recently lost an Emporer Angel.
One more question........
It seems that every fish I have gotten from my LFS has not made it due to one reason or another. I am contemplating starting to order my fish online from SWF.com and am curious if anyone has experienced major problems with ordering from them (Diseased fish, damaged fish, dead fish, etc.). Not trying to raise a stir,,,,,,,,,,just thougth I'd ask.....
Thanks folks........
Have a GREAT day........
Cory
 

lion_crazz

Active Member
Originally Posted by HogCr8
Here's the question.
I have been feeding my fish fresh garlic which can help them build an immune system against ICH (or so I understand). If I get new fish, QT them for 4 weeks with no issues, acclimate them to the DT and they get a little stressed due to the acclimation process can ICH appear in my DT due to the stressed fish? I know this may be hard to answer but I am just trying to get as much knowledge about QT'ing as I can since I just recently lost an Emporer Angel.
Have you quarantined EVERYTHING up until this time?
One more question........
It seems that every fish I have gotten from my LFS has not made it due to one reason or another. I am contemplating starting to order my fish online from SWF.com and am curious if anyone has experienced major problems with ordering from them (Diseased fish, damaged fish, dead fish, etc.). Not trying to raise a stir,,,,,,,,,,just thougth I'd ask.....
That is not raising a stir at all. You have a right to ask that question just as a person with a negative experience is more than welcome to speak up and say their problem. I believe the majority of the people who order from here and extremely happy. I hope you get plenty of responses, though.
I can say with great confidence that all of the fish and inverts and coral I have received from here have come in wonderful condition.
 

hogcr8

Member
Nothing in the tank was QT'ed before being added (guess I've been lucky til now). The only thing I have added was a Featherduster about 8 months ago, and like I said in the first post it will be about 2 to 2 1/2 months before I am able to start QT'ing anything. I am just wondering if those little BAST**DS could be hiding and come back if I introduce a fish that has been QT'ed but stressed from re-acclimation to the DT.......
Haven't had any deaths in the tank since a hurricane came through 2 years ago. Had to set everything back up, but having the tank is well worth it.
Real glad to hear about the quallity of the product here.
 

sepulatian

Moderator
Originally Posted by HogCr8
Nothing in the tank was QT'ed before being added (guess I've been lucky til now). The only thing I have added was a Featherduster about 8 months ago, and like I said in the first post it will be about 2 to 2 1/2 months before I am able to start QT'ing anything. I am just wondering if those little BAST**DS could be hiding and come back if I introduce a fish that has been QT'ed but stressed from re-acclimation to the DT.......
Haven't had any deaths in the tank since a hurricane came through 2 years ago. Had to set everything back up, but having the tank is well worth it.
Real glad to hear about the quallity of the product here.
The fish going into the DT from the QT will not be introducing ich. If ich was in your display tank and the entire tank was never treated or left fishless for 6 weeks or more then ich can still be living in your DT and host any fish that is stressed. How did the angel die?
 

beth

Administrator
Staff member
Ich will rear its ugly head within 3 weeks, at which time you will effective treat in the QT (preferably with hyposalinity). Once the fish are treated, they should be fine. As for introducing ich by means of LR, inverts, just be judicious about "knowing" where your rock, inverts have come.
 

hogcr8

Member
I guess my question is, since I had to rebuild my tank 2 years ago I have not seen any signs of ICH in the tank at all. Is it possible for the parasite to lay dorment in wait for a new fish (that has been QT'ed) and could be a little stressed? I read an article that refered to fresh water (have included the link because I think it was quite informative)
http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/ich.shtml
but it states
"There is no dormant independent, long-term encysted life stage separate from a host fish for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. This is useful to know. You will often hear to the contrary. Dr. Peter Burgess, who took Ichthyophthirius multifiliis as his Ph.D. subject at Plymouth University, mentioned among Ich "old wives' tales" that "It's present in all aquariums." "What utter rubbish" noted Dr. Burgess (in the Nov 2001 Practical Fishkeeping). Brits don't mince words".
Thanks for any input.......
Cory
 

sepulatian

Moderator
Ich is a parasite and must be introduced into a system. It is not always present ready to attack. If you quarantine all new purchases to be certain that they are free of the parasite then it will not be in your display.
 
Top