[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by EmilyB

I'm sure I am not alone here with the non-stress about ick ??

I never disagreed. I totally agree that water quality, temp, stress reduction and preventive measures, etc, all play important roles and are extremely important.

I practice this in my own experiences with housing boxfish that have the ability to release ostracitoxin, a poison that can kill ALL tank inhabitants (a total tank melt down) when stressed. Many hobbyist stay clear of this fish for that reason alone. Hence why my boxfish is named “Bullets” (user name). For this reason I must emphasize the importance of creating a stress-free environment to successfully house these fish. But it didn’t stop ich from entering my tank after I didn’t QT the new addition, which seemed free of disease at the time. Guess I had to learn the hard way, as I know others here have too. * hugs *

So, I must say again I never disputed or disagreed about the importance of maintaining a stress-free environment. But what I do disagree with, IMO & my own experience is that ich is not always present, and creating a stress-free environment, hoping that the fish gains immunity or partial immunity alone, to the fast reproducing parasite, is a BIG risk and is not a cure. The risk could result in the demise of the fish that is heavily infected. If you have an infected tank that has not been treated, any new fish added in the future may become infected. Yikes!

I think we can pretty much all agree that prevention is preferable to treatment for any disease. IMO, I do believe that the practice of quarantining is often overlooked but is a crucial step toward prevention. So IMO, I would suggest quarantine, the use of no nets to capture and a natural method of treatment, garlic soaked foods and hyposalinity to eliminate ich. IMO, I will choose the cure anyday over juggling the dice, taking that big risk and hoping the fish will fight the disease themselves. Not to mention the stress one goes through & loss of sleep you experience if you see another white dot on your fishy friend. Or how about the emotional break down you go through after you lose your favorite friend.

Please note, it was never my intention to insult any members. My apologies if you feel that was the case. I feel that regardless of how long you have been in this hobby there is always something new to learn & discover. We all rely on one another, as well as other sources of information, to help us care for our marine friends. I think it is safe to say that all of us have a genuine passion & appreciation for our marine friends. We all want to see them in good health or we would not be here, sharing our own personal experiences and opinions to help one another.

Bulletsworld has stepped up to the speaker, politely said my bit and has now stepped down.

Good nite everyone & fishies! Sweet dreams!

Best of luck Lofus!