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Can I proactively treat new fish for ich to prevent an outbreak?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Most people don’t have the money and space to run a quarantine tank. When introducing new fish (without visible ich spots) could I assume that there are ich tomites. Could I do an ich treatment and prevent a full outbreak. ( I have just been through an outbreak and lost all my fish.)

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 9th, 2018

If a QT tank is not available, then prophylactic treatment can be done on new fish. Methylene blue or malachite green, providing your chosen fish are not sensitive to either, can be used on Day 1 and then again on Day 4. A commercial ich treatment can be used instead as well. Be sure to treat any plants as well.

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