Another question about ick

[reelbigphish]

I've had my zebra danios for a couple of months and my giant danios for about a month. If I haven't had ick yet, and never added any more fish, would my tank remain ick free? Or can the parasite hang around until the fish are weakened by something and strike then?

[cocoa_pleco]

ick is always in the tank, only when fish are stressed can they get it

[reelbigphish]

Thanks, good to know. I want more fish, but the thought that adding more fish would infect my healthy fish was giving me pause. I'll add more fish, but try my best to keep them happy.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

ick is always in the tank, only when fish are stressed can they get it

That is actually a hotly debated issue among a lot of the experts. There are 2 camps on it. The one holds the position you have stated and the other holds that it can be completely eradicated from a tank with treatment and only comes in when an infected fish is introduced or on plants or other decor in a cocoon stage. You will find some very convincing arguments on both sides of this debate. It's one that even the experts haven't fully solved yet.

[cocoa_pleco]

interesting, ive always been taught thats its always in the tank, and the only way you can nearly fully kill them is by UV sterilizer

[reelbigphish]

The danios have done so well and have stayed ick free, I thought I should give props to my local Pet***** for keeping their fish so healthy. I will remain vigilent and on ick watch.

[cocoa_pleco]

I will remain vigilent and on ick watch.

no need to worry so much. do your weekly water changes, test the water levels every few days, and do regular maintenance and it shouldnt be a problem

[Northernguy]

Get a quarantine tank for new fish and plants.Its the best way to be sure the fish added to your tank are healthy.:c3:

[MrDrums]

I think the best practice is to closely inspect the fish at your LFS before you buy it. Make sure you are getting the healthiest looking fish that you can. If you have any doubts, or if things don't look right, don't get the fish. Also, make sure your water is always clean and that you have a good WC schedule. Of course, it is always possible to bring home a fish with ich even if you are extremely careful, but in my experience, it rarely happens.

Also, danios are very hardy - one of the hardiest I have ever kept. I don't think I have ever had any with ich...I have a few friends who have always kept danios, and have never heard of them having problems with ich. My danios have been beat on by other fish, tails and fins damaged, crushed by the python - you name it - and they have always bounced back - nearly outliving other fish! They are excellent fish, so I don't think you have to worry too much about adding other fish, especially if you have no problems now.