Rebuilt after Ich outbreak, timeframes?

Long story, short: I destroyed my DT after Ich outbreak by treating it with copper. I've rebuilt and I've got some questions.

- Do I need to let this bad boy fallow for 8 weeks or not necessary after rebuild?
- Will my cycle be shorter since I've introduced existing bacteria to the tank? My ammonia is at .25 currently with no Nitrate/Nitrite. Seems to be cycling?
- What else should I be looking for or taking care of while I wait to restock?

Thanks!

 

What additive did you use to introduce beneficial bacteria?

The rub on the 8 weeks fallow is unless you intend to do prophylatic treatments for marine ich and QT all fish in the future, it's unrealistic to think you will not again introduce or not be able eliminate marine ich. Is leaving the tank fallow and QT excellent example of good husbandry than yes, but is it realistic to your type of set up and a commitment you will follow through with.

Member vinny posted an excellent write up on what how to avoid marine ich out breaks.

I also agree if you want to decrease your frustration with this parasite stay away from tangs until your tank is well established as in many months.

Reduction of stress and good husbandry are the best measures to combat marine ich.

With relation to how long it will take your tank to cycle is a good question. Depends on how much of the bacterial filter was killed off, what you use to seed the tank... I would say around 6 weeks. New tanks have parameter swings, no way of getting around that, that is were the stress comes into play.

 

Copper treatments done at the correct dosage don't kill off the beneficial bacteria. Your tank should cycle well before the eight weeks are up.

 

I have not measured the copper since rebuilding, but if I get any amount should I just use Cuprisorb or something similar?

 

Yes, get the Cuprisorb in the little bags. It can be recharged.

Are you planning to treat the fish in QT?

 

No fish survived. The last two died this morning in QT. So basically starting over.