Ironf18

Copy, that makes perfect sense. Much appreciated. I like the CS1 skimmer from Avast so I'll check out their ATO.

I certainly will get an ATO soon. Any suggestions? I was hoping to run one from the RO/DI source, but it seems that most run off another source such as a nother vinyl garbage can with the RO/DI water only. I'm filling up space with rubbermaid garbage cans. If you have a good recommended model it would be most appreciated.

I need to identify what disease my fish have acquired. I currently have a 120 gal. tank with a 39 gal refugium. I run a DC12000 at ~50% as a return pump, I have an Avast CS1 Skimmer that seems to be doing a great job. I also have a dual GFO and carbon reactor that has kept any gross algae blooms in check. The live stock consists of two green chromis, one six stripe wrasse, one coral beauty angel, one fire shrimp, and two emerald crabs. Tank has been set up since October and went through the cycling process relatively smoothly. PH is at 8.1, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, and Nitrate 15 -20. I do a 10% water change weekly using RO/DI water and Red Sea Reef Salt. The only cause of any perceived stress is when I must catch up with top off water. I seem to just lose water to evaporation like crazy. I tend to have to add two to three gallons each day. Problem is that I am forced to do this at night before bed and again when I get home from work in the evening. I add the RO/DI water to the first chamber of the refug. in order to limit any severe temp change. I haven’t selected a top off system yet, but I know it is a necessity. Any recommendations are most welcome. The chromis have been in the tank since I started the cycling process. I originally started with three, but lost one after about a month. The other two have been doing fine until recently; both are eating well and are very active. Recently I have noticed a white, very pronounced, bump on the head of the larger one and one other white fuzzy marking on its side below the dorsal fin, Additionally, his mouth seems to be a bit misshapen, almost like he has a growth of some kind in his mouth. The coral beauty has only been in the tank for three weeks or so, eats mostly algae off the rocks and has become a bit more visible and comfortable. The coral beauty has now acquired two small white fuzzy spots, also on its side just below the dorsal fin. What can it be, and how can I treat for it? I’m afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get them out of there to treat event if I had a small quarantine tank set up for treatments.

I do owe the group some photos. I had a bit of a snafu with building permits, but I should have that all sorted out shortly. I'll take some pictures and get them posted. Great recommendations on the DC 12000 and the Avast CS-1 skimmer. I will get the skimmer in a day or so and will have the tank up and runing to begin cycling within the week.

Master Reefer, The tank is a 4" version of the 120 gallon. The 39 gallon refug is the largest one I could get in the space below.

Everyone, Thank you for the replies. Sorry about the delay in getting a reply back out to you. I looked up the DC12000 and was wondering how it compares to the Iwaki MD-55RLT (Japanese Motor),1104 GPH in durability and particularly noise level. I notice that BRS doesnt carry the DC12000 line of pumps. Why not?

Just getting started into the hobby again. Now with a single family home and the family to go with it. I have a place that is ideal to set up the ideal tank for me. I built the 120 into the wall behind the bar. Drywalling and painting are complete and I need some suggestions on what external pump to get that will sustain the 120 and a 39 gallon refrugium beneath. I have a dedicated mech room behind so space is not a problem. I plan on fish and some live rock at first and want to do it right. I planned on running an external pump, and a protien skimmer within the refugium. I want to use a combination of live rock and mech. filtration in the refugium. Any suggestions on pumps, skimmers and what live rock and sand to trust to get this started?