SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-plants-wait-without-fish

How can you keep new live plants from bringing ich into your tank?

Hold them with no fish for the length of the ich life cycle first.

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  1. Rinse them briefly in aquarium water
  2. Hold them with no fish for one ich life cycle ✔
  3. Inspect the leaves and add them immediately

Why: UF/IFAS says holding new plants and gravel with no fish for the length of the ich life cycle helps prevent infection. Ich can hitch a ride on plants, gravel and equipment, not just fish.

Huh, didn't know that: UF/IFAS also says decorations taken from another tank with fish should be disinfected before you reuse them.

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References

Answer: Hold them with no fish for one ich life cycle. UF/IFAS says holding new plants and gravel with no fish for the length of the ich life cycle helps prevent infection. Ich can hitch a ride on plants, gravel and equipment, not just fish.

  1. UF/IFAS EDIS: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (White Spot) Infections in Fish ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA006
    holding substrates and live plants with no fish for the duration of the Ich life cycle
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. UF/IFAS EDIS: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (White Spot) Infections in Fish ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA006
    Ich is easily introduced into a fish pond, tank, or home aquarium by new fish
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. UF/IFAS EDIS: Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (White Spot) Infections in Fish ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA006
    Decorations or structures coming from another aquarium with fish should be cleaned and disinfected appropriately prior to use.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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