2nd tank with ich

[traco1]

I figured this might happen. The 20 gallon tank I have housing 2 swordtails and a pair of mollies came down with ich, central filtation system, so figured it would probably happen. Have been treating for a week now and it was probably brewing for a bit and I didn't see due to having no lights on the tank. Now the 5 gallon tank with 2 small mollies and a small sword have also come down with ich today. The heater stopped so stressed them and now ich. I saw it on the swordtail. These tanks were in separate rooms, separate hoses/buckets/towels, washed hands (all the QT procedures).

I am treating the tanks with Rid-Ich+. The 5 gallon is too small, even with daily water changes, the mollies don't like it. :(If I combine the two tanks into the 20 gallon, it would be another 6 week QT?

What are your thoughts, please?

[Melody]

Did you purchase them from the same store at the same time?

[traco1]

No, which is probably why they shouldn't be mixed, right? Same day purchases, different stores.

It has been years since I have had ich. With discus and their high temps, never had any ich.

[Melody]

Its that time of year. I'd keep the fish separate, but if you combine them I'd extend the quarantine but not necessarily for 6 weeks. The original fish that has something, if it does, should show symptoms first. If that happens, then you'd have to extend the quarantine for another 6 weeks.

[traco1]

Its that time of year. I'd keep the fish separate, but if you combine them I'd extend the quarantine but not necessarily for 6 weeks. The original fish that has something, if it does, should show symptoms first. If that happens, then you'd have to extend the quarantine for another 6 weeks.

Are you saying that I need to be thinking a 6 week QT at the start of the first fish's symptoms?

I was just worried that the 5 gallon might be too small for the three fish and I have no other tanks. I thought that combining tanks might be better than them staying in the small tank?

[Melody]

I mean if one of them gets sick, you'll have to quarantine the bunch for another full six weeks. Otherwise you can extend it but you don't have to go the full 6.

[traco1]

I think I will stay with the two tanks, daily w/c of 50%, dose meds. I will just keep an eye on ammonia, etc... and the fish and see how everything goes.

Thanks Mel, for your help and info.