Ick on equipment
SS wrote:
How long can Ick survive on aquarium equipment such as a gravel cleaner?
I had used it the day before the visible signs of an outbreak and
haven't used it since treatment which has been about a six days, due for
a water change. All visible signs of ick on fish are gone now (I know
the ick is ever present), and I was wondering how long ick could last on
surfaces without that surface being wet or subject to deliberate
disinfection ie: left out to dry (no good environment or host = no ick?)?
TYIA,
SS
From my experience equipment that has dry for more than 24 hours has
not transmitted ich to other aquariums I have serviced. But I have
generally sterilized my equipment in a weak bleach/water solution (less
than 5% bleach), so as to make sure I do not transfer pathogens or
infestation between customers. (I kept this solution in a spray
bottle).
Generally an aquarium without fish, but with the filter running will be
ich free without a host after 3 weeks. But this is NOT a rule, I know
many experienced aquarists (myself included)still had ich outbreaks
even after taking these precautions.
Some of the aquariums I maintained that customers added fish regularly,
had fish sensitive to ich, or just seemed to get ich easily I used
Medicated Wonder Shells on occasion or when new fish were added.
Carl
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