I need to be educated.

[flfireman1]

I'm a bit confused. Let's say you have a QT tank set and treated with Chloroquine phosphate or Copper. In essence it kills the parasite that is velvet and Ich. My question is how can that QT harbor the parasite and need to be disinfected when it is medicated? I'm definitely missing something and possibly not explaining myself properly. An example is you treat infected fish with velvet. Said fish are cured and can be returned to the QT. So the protocol goes that the QT should be broken down and disinfected. But isn't the fact medicine is in the QT technically sterilizing? Or does it have to do with the medication only kills certain stages of the parasite?

 

[Barrett]

I'm a bit confused. Let's say you have a QT tank set and treated with Chloroquine phosphate or Copper. In essence it kills the parasite that is velvet and Ich. My question is how can that QT harbor the parasite and need to be disinfected when it is medicated? I'm definitely missing something and possibly not explaining myself properly. An example is you treat infected fish with velvet. Said fish are cured and can be returned to the QT. So the protocol goes that the QT should be broken down and disinfected. But isn't the fact medicine is in the QT technically sterilizing? Or does it have to do with the medication only kills certain stages of the parasite?

Copper or CP only kill the free swimming stages of the parasite.

 

[aykwm]

Medications such as copper or CP only kills the swimming stage of the parasite, it has no effect on the parasite infecting the fish or encysting in the tank. Putting the fish in copper or CP will not kill the parasites on it (thats why it is recommended to give it a bath or FW dip, there will help remove some parasites off) rather they will ensure the fish will not get infected back. So, the parasite will continue life cycle on fish for few days then drop off, and no new parasites will infect it. This will require few days only, but then the treatment is done for 30 days because the parasites are not killed instantly, there might be another reinfection, but by 30 days of exposure you will be sure the parasites are weak enough that they are unable to reinfect.

Thats why its recommended to move the fish from medicated tank to another observation tank rather than just removing copper. Also, some ich strains can survive way longer than copper treatment, longest known is 72 days and probably longer strains exist. These might not be affected by copper at all.

Anyways, you dont need to sterilize your tank, just ensuring it is dry for 24 hours is enough to sterilize it, to be on safe side make sure it gets dry for few days and you will be good to go (along with all equipments and anything used in it).

 

[Maritimer]

Additionally, biofilms can build up on any wet surface in the tank. These films can reduce the effectiveness of some medications, as well as providing homes for things like bacteria and uronema, which may later infect your fish.

A little bleach, vinegar and sunshine can make all of that a memory.

~Bruce

 

[4FordFamily]

Additionally, biofilms can build up on any wet surface in the tank. These films can reduce the effectiveness of some medications, as well as providing homes for things like bacteria and uronema, which may later infect your fish.

A little bleach, vinegar and sunshine can make all of that a memory.

~Bruce

This is the primary reason you seek, op-- if I understand your question properly.