how long for a fallow tank?

[kvosstra]

SO I did 6 weeks of keeping my tank fallow - all fish in QT...
I have added no new fish to the tank, but now 2 months later, I am sure that there is ICH on at least 1 of my tangs...this is so maddening.

When I did the QT I lost a few of my prized wrasses, so It was an expensive process...

But, I really want my tank ICH free so that I can add a powder Blue and Achilles tang...

Any thoughts on this -

 

[kevin2000]

In general 5-6 weeks (measured from the date you removed the last fish) should be sufficient to eliminate any ich from the ST. While its possible that longer period may be required I suspect many/most cases of "new ich" are the result of the aquarist putting an ich infected fish back into the tank.

 

[kvosstra]

Well, I did a 6 week and introduced only my QT fish and they all still have ICH. I have not introduced corals, or any other fish.

I am willing to do a QT again, should I do it for 8 weeks.

I would say that 5 weeks is actually not sufficient - studies have shown that some ICH can live for 32 days in the dormant stage.

I guess its possible that my cupramine treatment was not sufficient to remove the parasites, but what a bummer!

 

[kevin2000]

Copper is considered bullet proof when trying to eliminate ich .. the problem with copper is trying to maintain the proper concentration over the treatment period. While cupramine is considered one of the least harsh coppers and often recommended for use in treating fish many copper testing products don't measure it accurately.

I have found hyposalinity to be very effective in treating ich .. and consider it easier to use than copper.