Planning for new additions

[miroch]

My DT has been running for 5 years, all livestock are fat and healthy (from what I can tell). I tend to overfeed since I am carbon dosing with vinegar. When I first introduced fish in the system, my LFS told me that QT was not necessary, I now know this is a stupid thing to say to a client. My hippo tang had ICH but the white spots went away after a few weeks. I started running a UV after the white spots were seen but it may not have been a factor in recovery. So I assume ICH is still in the DT but the fish have created a immunity.

I would like to start TTM on all new additions to the DT. Should the current DT fish go thru TTM to remove ICH? They have been doing so great since the ICH sign 4 years ago that I don't want to put them thru a TTM, but I guess getting ICH again from the stress of new additions would be worse.

I have added a few new fish since the original ICH sign on the Hippo and he did not show any new signs.

Would TTM of new additions be enough going forward?

TIA

 

[scooter31707]

I recommend taking the fish out running them through TTM and letting your DT go fallow for 72 days. Make sure you do the TTM with all new arrivals. With the possibility of newcomers, that can break up that peaceful mood and create chaos and the outbreak will hit again. Letting your DT go fishless for 72 days will ensure your tank is ich free.

 

[tassod]

IMO, whatever strain of ICH that was in the OP's tank has most likely died off due to the fish being immune to it and therefore the lack of weak hosts have killed it. I would not bother creating new stress for the established fish in taking them out, that will surely weaken their immune system. TTM on new arrivals to not allow any new strains of ICH to enter sounds like a plan to me. But this alone will not guarantee something else like velvet or brook may not enter either..

 

[microlady]

They are both good options. And I agree that all new arrivals must be quarantined. Be careful with live rock from other tanks that have fish. It is possible that ich cysts can enter a tank that way too.