thats okay fishman, I'm sorry if my response came across as mean, i honestly didn't mean it that way. I just find it amusing that i got responses about how to prevent ich and about what it is - which i know. But yeah, I wouldn't change all the decorations all the time, it could stress the fish. That said, I think I'm all set...this thread turned into more than I wanted it to. I was just wondering if what i read about ich dying off within two days without a host was true,. But you know what, I don't care anymore! Im good to go....thanks for all the hlep anyway guys (and gals)