The tank transfer method of QT for Ich is a systematic routine that catches the Cryptocaryon mid life cycle when it's no longer on your fish. While the parasite basically lives on your fish, it does not breed there. It drops off your fish roughly 3-4 days after hosting it to drop into the substrate and reproduce. One the original parasite multiplies, the many, many, many, offspring release into the water column to attach themselves to all your fish and start the cycle all over again. Multiplying many fold in the process.
So understanding the life cycle of the crytocaryon goes a long way to see how this method is probably the most gentle method on fish (IMHO)
So borrowing the info from RC, here's how to do it:
Firstly, you basically need 2 sets of everything for 2 tanks. They don't have to be all that big. I use a couple of 20 gal, Aquaclear 150's for some water movement (no filter), 2 heaters, 2 - 3" PVC elbows or T's, optional is 2 net's and maybe 2 MJ400's depending on the fish.
Day 1: set up 1 tank matching salinity, temp, ph etc to the water your fish are in currently
Monitor that tank carefully. Having a ammonia badge in the tank is very useful. Your fish will only be there for a couple days, not usually long enough for ammonia to develop to dangerous levels, but you need to watch just in case.
I usually set up my second tank on the eve of day 3 so it's set up for the next morning.
Day 4: in the AM, preferably before the lights come on over the tank, drain the first tank and discard all the water. I usually drain the tank down until only a few inches of water remains, scoop the fish up in my hands or a small bowl with holes that allows the majority of water to drain away, minimizing the chances of water borne parasites making it into the second tank. Put your fish in the second tank.
Finish draining the first tank. Clean EVERYTHING. I use a 10% bleach solution and let everything soak in it for an hour or 2. then rinse VERY well and let air dry.
Day 7: repeat the process
Day 10: repeat
Day 14: repeat and you're done. Continue to watch your fish for anything else it may have for a week or 2 depending on your QT philosophy and enjoy your healthy tank.
Last edited by daplatapus; 05-28-2014 at 02:09 PM.
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