How long Ich can survive in dry air ?

[ReefTankAllTheWay]

Hello, to all the experts out there.
I want to know how long protomonts, tomonts and theronts can survive without water.
I have an Ich outbreak again!! Sadly.
Can I air dry fish net and containers in order to kill Ich before reusing them?

thank you

 

[griss]

@leebca @Dr. Reef @HumbleFish would be the best people to ask on this one.

 

[leebca]

Unfortunately, Cryptocaryon irritans (Marine Ich) has a dormant stage which can in fact survive more than 72 hours when dry. It isn't worth the risk.

It's best to combine both drying with RODI or RO water. Rinse everything in RODI or RO water, then let dry for 48+ hours. Be aware that Marine Ich can 'hide' in low oxygen (hypoxic) areas of the system. So, be sure to break the system down:
1. Thick substrates -- need to be 'disturbed.'

2. Rock sitting on substrate can hide dormant Marine Ich;

3. Canister filters -- need to be broken down;

4. Other non-biological filters/media and chemicals need to be replaced (e.g., carbon, filterfloss),

5. Check that bio filter(s) are not trapping any water; and lastly

6. Rock crevices can hide dormant Marine Ich.

All the above assumes you have made the proper identification/verification that it is in fact Marine Ich you are dealing with. If other parasites are involved, this guidance may not apply.

 

[Dr. Reef]

Ich can survive for few days. If you can bleach the running tank for few hours and then drain it. let it air dry for 24-48 hrs and then fill it back up and dose turbostart 900 and your tank will be instantly cycled and ready for fish.

 

[ReefTankAllTheWay]

Thank you,