Will dry tank kill ick?

[Hal]

I've got a 20 gallon tank that was used as a QT (no meds were added). The last fish occupants had ick.

Can I leave the tank sitting dry to kill off the ick?

How long would it need to sit dry?

[rshimek]

Hal,

There is a quick and dirty (er... clean :D ) to remove any concern.

Fill the tank with warm fresh water and add a couple of cups of bleach. Let the water circulate (drop in a power head) for a couple of hours. Drain it, rinse it, dechlorinate it until you can't smell the bleach, and it will be fine.

Bleach is a good disinfectent. Damm near as good as iodine, in removing pathogenic organisms.

:D

[Hal]

Thanks for the input Dr. Ron.

Your solution requires work, though. :D Would my lazy man's solution of a dry tank for 4 weeks have any affect on the ick?

The reason I ask is:
#1. I'm lazy, and
#2. I'm thinking of various lifeforms that enter a dormant period were the environment would not otherwise support them, yet they live through it.

My tank has been sitting empty of water for a month now.

[rshimek]

Hi,

I don't specifically know for this parasite. Many parasites have stages that can withstand prolonged drying.

:D

[john f]

Cryptocaryon will NOT survive desication.

Drying the tank out for a couple days is all that is needed.

BTW, this applies to amyloodinium as well.

Dr. Rons bleach idea is really needed only when suspecting bacterial infections ( or viral )



John