Observation period for Ich?

[ThaBeast]

What is an acceptable observation time for fish in quarantine to check for ich & velvet? Is 75 days or so sufficient?

 

[alyee5]

Read this from Humblefish if u haven't already.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

If observation only he recommends at least a month if u are diligent in your observation practices. Longer the better.

 

[Humblefish]

Check this out: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fallow-periods-going-fishless.190324/

 

[TheRealDmorty217]

30 days should be long enough for Ich or velvet to present itself if the fish came in with a infection. Much less than 30 days if it's velvet

 

[Humblefish]

Whoops, thought you meant fallow period. :oops:

30 days is long enough to observe for velvet, but some fish with ich will never show physical evidence (white dots) of the disease. Therefore, it is important to observe for these key behavioral symptoms while the fish is in QT:

• Reduced or complete loss of appetite
• Heavy breathing
• Scratching
• Flashing
• Head twitching
• Erratic swimming behavior

You must sit in front of the QT 10-15 minutes every single day to observe for these symptoms. So, plan to have a meal once a day with your fish. ;)