ich question

[dowtish]

Can ich survive and never show any signs on fish for 9 weeks???

I had an ich outbreak and lost most of my fish. I moved the 5 remaining fish into a QT. The 2 that had shown signs (spots) died within 2 days. The remaining 3 fish had never shown any signs while in the DT. While I know that doesnt mean that they didnt have it in their gills and I was unable to see it. But, after keeping them in the QT for 9 weeks, without hypo or copper. Is it possible they had it the whole time, and not once showed a single spot?

 

[b0bab0ey]

Can ich survive and never show any signs on fish for 9 weeks???

I had an ich outbreak and lost most of my fish. I moved the 5 remaining fish into a QT. The 2 that had shown signs (spots) died within 2 days. The remaining 3 fish had never shown any signs while in the DT. While I know that doesnt mean that they didnt have it in their gills and I was unable to see it. But, after keeping them in the QT for 9 weeks, without hypo or copper. Is it possible they had it the whole time, and not once showed a single spot?

Not only possible but very likely IMHO. According to an article I read (see link at bottom):

"Fish that survive a Cryptocaryon infection develop immunity, which can prevent significant disease for up to 6 months (Burgess 1992; Burgess and Matthews 1995). However, these survivors may act as carriers and provide a reservoir for future outbreaks (Colorni and Burgess 1997)."

So, while your fish may not be showing any symptoms at this time, they can infect other fish and in 6 months time may show symptoms of Ich themselves. I would prophylactically treat for Ich if I were you before returning them to the DT.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa164