Need clarification on #13 in Ich FAQ -Steve

[2000se]

See below for statement:

13. If the Cryptocaryon irritans can't always be detected, then why bother with a quarantine procedure? In the confines of a small quarantine and being there for no less than 6 weeks, the Cryptocaryon irritans parasite will make itself known because the fish is weakened and the fish can't get away from being re-infected by multiplying Cryptocaryon irritans parasites. In other words, the quarantine procedure instigates a 'bloom' of the parasite which will make it visible to the aquarist. When this happens, treatment is appropriate with one of the three proven treatments.


Question:
I had a single clown fish in an 8 gallon tank for approx. 1.5 years. Nothing else was in there except for a few inverts. Would it be safe to say that if I never saw any signs of ich over the 1.5 years, or any other issues thus far for that matter, that I should feel very confident that my fish is free of the parasite? According to the above, I should have seen a 'bloom' seeing the fish was in such a 'confined' space correct?

 

[snorvich]

See below for statement:

13. If the Cryptocaryon irritans can't always be detected, then why bother with a quarantine procedure? In the confines of a small quarantine and being there for no less than 6 weeks, the Cryptocaryon irritans parasite will make itself known because the fish is weakened and the fish can't get away from being re-infected by multiplying Cryptocaryon irritans parasites. In other words, the quarantine procedure instigates a 'bloom' of the parasite which will make it visible to the aquarist. When this happens, treatment is appropriate with one of the three proven treatments.


Question:
I had a single clown fish in an 8 gallon tank for approx. 1.5 years. Nothing else was in there except for a few inverts. Would it be safe to say that if I never saw any signs of ich over the 1.5 years, or any other issues thus far for that matter, that I should feel very confident that my fish is free of the parasite? According to the above, I should have seen a 'bloom' seeing the fish was in such a 'confined' space correct?

Yes, you are mostly correct. Mostly because inverts, especially hermits can carry the infectious stage in their shell, so if you recently added anything wet, you have some risk, albeit a low risk.

 

[2000se]

thanks for the prompt response!

 

[snorvich]

thanks for the prompt response!

Always a pleasure.