How long to QT coral?

[zigrat88]

All - I have some hermit crabs and a couple of coral that were in a tank with ich. I've placed them in a seperate tank since the main tank is underdoing hypo. my question is how long should I keep them QT'd so when I put them into a 3rd tank (ich free) they don't bring any ich?

Thanks

 

[steve-s]

8 Weeks.

 

[zigrat88]

I thought the lifecycle of ich was 12-14 days. And with no fish wouldn't it be dead after 2 cycles?

 

[steve-s]

The Tomont can stay encysted for anywhere from a few days to a month. There have been studies that show as long as 72 days but that would not be the norm. Best to err on the side of caution and extend the fallow period to the longest possible life cycle. It's very easy to prevent introduction so no need to rush it!

2 months of doing nothing vs several weeks/months or treatment

 

[zigrat88]

Thanks for the info. Totally agreed about better safe then sorry. I don't have a filter on the tank with the plants and hermit crabs but I'm planning on doing frequent water changes and keeping my fingers crossed. We will see.

 

[steve-s]

On a small tank, daily water changes should be no challenge at all. Just a matter of timing and keeping new water mixing/ready. As long as the ammonia is kept in check, you should do fine.