Ich in temperate tanks?

[davidcalgary29]

Have there been any studies of the parasite cycle in subtropical temperatures? I'm thinking of starting up a temperate build in an Evo this summer, with a catalina goby or two (and a hulafish if I can get my hands on one), and haven't brought up anything in searches. Could the 72 day fallow period for 20C temperatures be even longer for a tank in the 17C range?

 

[00W]

Did you happen to read the article by Humblefish titled "Marine ich and temperature", Jan 30, 2016. R2R.
Might be what you're after.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Did you happen to read the article by Humblefish titled "Marine ich and temperature", Jan 30, 2016. R2R.
Might be what you're after.

Yes, that's perfect...although it raises even more questions. So no one has attempted a study with a temperate fish like a Catalina Goby? And if 0 samples excysted at 12-17C, does this mean that ich cannot replicate at those temperatures? But any enysted samples can survive for up to 6 months at those temperatures and then hatch if warmer waters are encountered? Curious...

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

There is a Cryptocaryon analog that is very common and is infective down to 50 f. I don’t know it’s exact taxonomy, it is a non-descript ciliate. It is very difficult to treat.
Jay

 

[davidcalgary29]

There is a Cryptocaryon analog that is very common and is infective down to 50 f. I don’t know it’s exact taxonomy, it is a non-descript ciliate. It is very difficult to treat.
Jay

Is it still only in the Eastern Mediterranean, or has it spread in the aquarium trade? And copper treatment is ineffective?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Is it still only in the Eastern Mediterranean, or has it spread in the aquarium trade? And copper treatment is ineffective?

No - this is a ciliate that is found pretty widely spread - I've gotten it on temperate coldwater fish from Japan. Copper works, but you have to catch it early because it is so slow to effect a cure, if you catch it late, the fish die before the copper has time to work. It looks like Cryptocaryon, perhaps a bit darker. Rather than distinct white spots, it presents more like congested skin with mucus.

Jay

 

[davidcalgary29]

Is the treatment period the same, or extended because of the cooler temperatures?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Is the treatment period the same, or extended because of the cooler temperatures?

Well, I always dose copper for 30 days, so that time frame deals with it, not sure about the two week dose though.
Jay