life cycle of ick

[dindi]

How long do the parasites servive without a host? I had some fish that contaminated my tank. The only thing left is a polyp rock, 2 shrimps, one arrow and a hermite crab. I bought 2 fish and placed them in a QT and everytime I change their water I use the water from my main tank. It seems I notice spots on the coral beauty when I do this. I am using coppersafe which seems to correct the problem with the fish. My main tank was devoid of fish for 35 days before I bought the new fish. Any suggestions? Also what type of thermometer do you recommend, I can't seems to read any of the ones I bought. To dang small with a lousey hard to read background

 

[beth]

Well, the life cycle of ick is supposed to be 23 days, but, frankly, I would leave my tank dormant of fish for 2 mos before adding any new fish to it. Additionally, you should not use water from an infected tank in the hospital tank. I would suggest discontinue using coppersafe in the tank with fish, and begin using hyposalinity to treat the fish. [As long as there is no LR, LS or inverts in the treatment tank].
Continue hyposalinity for a month, then slowly raise the salinity bact to normal levels. Leave the fish in the hospital tank with once the salinity is returned to normal. If all is well after a week, they can be safely returned to the main tank.
You didn't use coppersafe in your main tank, did you??
Use a magnifying glass to read you thermometer.
[ October 25, 2001: Message edited by: Beth ]