Adding rock to a Fallow tank Question

[Pigpen17]

So I have heard and read both sides of this, and I am not sure what is the right action.

My tank is fallow right now and will be for 2 more months. I am starving out Ich. As long as I am not spending money on fish, I thought, "What the heck! I'll buy rock and corals!"

So here's my question. If I add store bought rock and/or coral, will I have to restart my fallow period? I heard that some reefers don't QT rock or coral, so if you don't QT it, then it's can't mess up my starvation of Ich?

I understand nothing is 100% when Ich is concerned, but how high is my risk of messing things up?

 

[HumbleFish]

If the rock/coral doesn't share water with any fish, then your odds are much better. Remember though, most LFS have all their tanks plumbed together.

 

[Pigpen17]

If the rock/coral doesn't share water with any fish, then your odds are much better. Remember though, most LFS have all their tanks plumbed together.

Hey Humble! Glad to see you again.

So there is a risk. I guess I knew that. I am not sure what I am asking. There is no more risk to add now, then to add after. No?

For those that do not QT rock or coral or inverts, what is the difference between adding now or later. For those who do, am I crazy not to?

Ok, I think I know the question. Has anyone had success is ridding their tank of Ich while adding any non fish element to the tank durring that period?

 

[HumbleFish]

Look at it this way... you are going fallow to clear Ich from your tank. You have removed all the fish (hosts), but it can still take up to 72 days for any leftover Ich to basically starve to death with no said hosts to feed on. This leftover Ich can exist in/on the rocks, sand, water column, etc. during the 72 day fallow period. So, the same holds true for any of the above (plus corals) if they share water with fish infected with Ich. It's not as certain as say, dumping an Ich infected fish directly into your tank, but the risk is still there.

 

[Pigpen17]

Got it. Thanks HF.

 

[VanceL]

Sorry to hijack, but is there a dip or something that can be done to new rock and coral additions so that the fallow period doesn't have to be restarted?

 

[Newsmyrna80]

No dip that can kill tomonts encysting to corals, live rock, etc. On one if the ich stickies Snorvich gives the percentages of fallow/infection risk but if basically boils down to what we know...100% 72+ days fallow

 

[GroktheCube]

If it was in a system holding fish, it's a risk. IMHO put it in the fallow DT and extend the fallow period accordingly.

I generally don't bother QTing corals or inverts from systems without fish, and avoid buying them from systems that do have fish.

 

[Pigpen17]

If it was in a system holding fish, it's a risk. IMHO put it in the fallow DT and extend the fallow period accordingly.

I generally don't bother QTing corals or inverts from systems without fish, and avoid buying them from systems that do have fish.

I think that is the best bet. For the record, I did add a Xeina and some snails and I added fish right on schedule and I am Ich free. Lucky.

I have read a bit on this too, and I added snails recently again. I gave them a wash in saltwater before adding to my tank. No one know if this really helps, but it doesn't hurt. I still plan on adding more corals, so there is really no way around this. I don't have $ for a coral QT system. I plan on getting them from LA or DD though.

 

[VanceL]

Im in the same boat not wanting to spend the money on another system, the few corals I want to add are a little more sensitive sps, doesn't sound like an easy qt...



So LA and DD are pretty safe bets? Had been searching for a detailed description of their coral quarantine procedure and how long it lasts before posting. I would figure that DD would be the ideal choice?



How about crabs and shrimp? Wait until first molt?

 

[Pigpen17]

Im in the same boat not wanting to spend the money on another system, the few corals I want to add are a little more sensitive sps, doesn't sound like an easy qt...



So LA and DD are pretty safe bets? Had been searching for a detailed description of their coral quarantine procedure and how long it lasts before posting. I would figure that DD would be the ideal choice?



How about crabs and shrimp? Wait until first molt?

I am not 100% sure about LA and DD, but I am sure you can ask them if their corals are kept fish free. I think they are, but I am not sure where I read that.

 

[Pigpen17]

They are listed in Reef Centrals sponsor forums.

 

[GroktheCube]

Removing the plugs from New corals is always a good safety measure. My understanding is that the cysts attach to hard surfaces, so in THEORY a mucous covered surface is much safer.