Originally Posted by TheClemsonKid
Is the only way to start a QT... does it basically involve the same six week cycling period that you do for a DT? I have a serious outbreak of ich, and I want to get them healed, but it occurred to me that even if I started today, I am still six weeks away from being able to use the QT? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...
-Jonathan
Cycling tanks doesn't always take a set amount of time, it's different with every cycle. You need to test daily and watch the ammonia/nitrite levels and after they've spiked and gone back down, and your nitrate drops under 20, then it's complete. 6 weeks is a rather long cycle, I've done water changes during cycles to protect my live rock and haven't had one take that long, but again, ever tank is different.
You could always try one of those "reef-safe" medications to temporarily remove the ich from the fish while you setup your QT. Kick-ich helps to an extent, it's not a cure, but it might help knock the ich off the fish until your QT is ready. Only do this if you have no other choice, Kick-Ich or other products gives mixed results.
