how long can ick hide?

[Holly9937]

I'm sure this has been asked, so I apologize, but I couldn't seem to find it anywhere in the forums!!
I am going to buy some new fish in the next couple of weeks and plan to QT them. How long should I QT them to be absolutely sure that they do not have ick?? I know I've heard that the stress of being netted and put into a new tank can make it come out, but how do I know it is not just still hiding, and not visible? I finally got the big tank I've been wanting for so long and do not want to have to treat it or introduce disease!

 

[gman52]

well i don't have a quarantine tank, but they say 3-4 weeks, and if you can handle it 6 weeks.

 

[daveedka]

I do four minimum, If I see one flash or scratch on the bottom I reset the clock to zero and observe for another four. If I see two flashes or scratches I treat for Ich and then observe for another four. It can be long but is worth it.
Dave

 

[Holly9937]

Would you recommend longer? I ask because you say a minimun of 4, is that just with the situation you described? Would I run into any potential problems if I did keep them in QT longer? I really want to be safe about things!!

 

[nursie]

To try to reduce stress when catching my fish I use a square clear plastic container to catch them. Maybe my imagination, but I think it helps.

 

[daveedka]

I say four as a minimum, you can pretty much go as long as you want to be sure. Some of the old timers are known to keep a fish in quarantine for six months or so just because they didn't have time to observe properly.
Dave

 

[JosephMCorbett]

I would buy all the fish that you plan on putting in your larger tank and treat for ich immediately in your QT weather it's visible or not. This way, you know for sure. Do the heat and salt treatment for 2 weeks, remove the salt over the next week, and then your done. 3 week deal. I've never lost a fish this way. The salt treatment works wonders and if done properly your fish will all survive. I've even had fish that I bought and placed in QT that did not appear to have any disease, but refused to eat. Once the salt treatment started, they turned around and began eating. Anyway, just my two cents.