Ich and Fishless Tank

FishinAround · #1 07/19/2007, 04:48 PM

Is 7 weeks long enough to leave a tank without fish to rid the tank of ich. I've heard anywhere from 4-6 weeks but I want to be 100% sure I've rid the system. It's been about 7 weeks so just wondering if I should wait another week or so or if it's OK to put the fish back in?

fatdaddy · #2 07/19/2007, 04:56 PM

4 weeks is the extreme end of the Ich cycle + a few days of padding. At 7, you're more then good.

Assuming your fish are ich free, you're good to go.

papagimp · #3 07/19/2007, 05:01 PM

I don't think 4 weeks would be considered the extreme end of the ich cycle but usually 4-6 weeks is sufficient.

FishinAround · #4 07/19/2007, 05:04 PM

The fish are ich free, they've been in copper for the full 7 weeks, another reason I would like to get them back into the main tank, I know copper long term is not good for them.

kevin2000 · #5 07/19/2007, 05:06 PM

In general the tomont stage of ich last from 3-28 days .. but I would recommend at least 5 weeks and many would argue 6 weeks ..... your 7 s/b fine.

fatdaddy · #6 07/19/2007, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by papagimp
I don't think 4 weeks would be considered the extreme end of the ich cycle but usually 4-6 weeks is sufficient.

Ah, you're right, but it depends on the temp. Cooler temps have a longer cycle.

FishinAround · #7 07/19/2007, 05:17 PM

It's summer time so my temps haven't dropped much below the 80 degree mark so I think I should be seeing a pretty accelerated life cycle.

ahullsb · #8 07/19/2007, 05:48 PM

Temp can make a difference but there still aren't any guarantees. Either way you should be good after 7.