DFR

Nice start, wish I’d seen this when it was originally set up. What are your plans for fish stocking? It’ll look nice with a group of tangs.

How long has this been going on, and is there any update? Is there any other fish in that system? If so, how do they look? Velvet gives the fish somewhat of a dull look, and it almost looks like mucus is coming off the fish. This looks like it may be the later stage of some other infection(s), but I wouldn’t characterize it as velvet. It could be that the fish contracted either a bacterial or fungal infection thastressed it out, leading to an inch outbreak.

Welcome to the group!

Welcome to the club!!! The list you posted should be fine. As a cautionary note, I wouldn’t use the prazi and copper in your display, try to get a separate tank to which you could quarantine/treat your incoming fish. What are you planning to keep in the tank (fish, corals, algae, etc.). The reason I ask is tap would be fine for initial setup, as well as fish. You WILL go through a phase where algae and nuisance bacteria will probably overtake the tank before everything normalizes. So, what I would do is leave the tap water mix and only replace with a RODI mix when doing your normal water changes (unless you intend to keep more sensitive corals). I’ll also throw my support behind the Tunze ATO as I’ve found them to be one of the more reliable options.

Tank is looking good. Nice mix of colors.

On to the next chapter. Looking forward to seeing how it unfolds!

System coming along, and nice job on the stand! What are your plans for stocking? You may have low pressure going to your RODI causing it to operate less than optimally. I ran mine for several years around 45psi (I think) and had similar results. After installing a booster pump, the time has drastically decreased.

Tank looking nice as usual... lots of activity in there now!

System coming along nicely. Gotta love the performance and growth that those Mitras are producing. GHL is starting to grow on me more than I thought it would.

Looking nice!

@Orion That tank would be sweet if placed in your planned location. It’ll be right at home as it looks like the center of numerous hobbies. I’m anxious to see this system unfold.

I’ve found Sicce to be pretty reliable and generally efficient when compared to other pumps. I’ve used them for return pumps, skimmer feed pump, power heads, etc. Despite me having a sometimes neglected maintenance routine, I’ve always found them to be pretty forgiving.

It all really depends on your use, and condition of other filters. I normally change my carbon blocks and sediment filter when the sediment filter looks dirty/brown (the best practice is probably to test the water leaving carbon block to see when it needs to change). Since you’re using the BRS unit, it probably has the color changing DI resin. That should be changed when when there is about an inch of dark blue resin left at the top of the canister. As to your comment on stocking, you’re right. You’ll probably be fine using just regular tap water. I honestly didn’t start using RODI water until I started dabbling with stony corals. Prior to that I mostly did fish only or anemones and mushrooms, and they were all fine for years.

Welcome to the group and the hobby!!! I’d recommend Tropical Lagoon in Silver Spring. You could also check outHouse of Tropics in Glenn Bernie, or Congressional Aquarium in Rockville. But if you have any questions or need any help, this is a great community for that.

Following along! Loving the plan and set-up so far!

Everything still looks happy after the move. What are your plans for the lagoon tank?

Good job, especially under such time constraint! I wouldn’t add sand at this point, and it can’t hurt to add a clean up crew. Any update on the system?

In appearance, they’ll usually lack that almost transparent look when mature. They also tend to have wider bodies, a pronounced cleft above the eyes, and a mouth that always seem to frown. Just give it some time. If it is carrying, you’ll soon see the on a rock.

How old is the fish, or how long has it been in your system? To me, it still looks a little young (almost like a non-reproducing male).

I’ve used the Kessil H360 for some time. It kept Nitrate (5ppm or less)and Phosphates (0.00ppm) pretty low. I’ve also been able to keep Chaeto and Caulerpa effortlessly as a result. I actually just took it offline because of all the funk that accumulated in the fuge (no fault of the light). Hope this is a decision I don’t regret.

Are the purple and helfrichi bred locally?

I don’t think he actually quarrantine his livestock. You could see bags floating in the tanks after shipments come in. I never thought to ask after seeing that. But as Forest alluded, it isn’t far fetched to believe that his fish systems are medicated. I’ll probably swing by there sometime in the next couple days so I’ll ask if medications are used. Most LFS owners and employees are also hobbyists so just ask the next time you visit. I’m sure they’ll be happy to talk you through what they do.

When I first read your post I read I didn’t realize you were dosing trace (I had it in my head you started reef energy). Using half the dosing of the 2 amino acids, I wouldn’t expect major effects on the skimmer (though possible). I’d try raising the skimmer a bit. After your tank settles into al the changes, things may normalize causing you to lower the skimmer again. Just keep an eye on your system for any negative changes.

All three are amino acids. By dosing half the recommended doses, you’re essentially dosing 1.5x what you should. Depending on your nutrient level beforehand, I would have started with 1 of the 3 at 50% the recommended dosage (or 1/6 if you planned on doing all 3) and increase slowly. Have you noticed any adverse effects such as algae or red slime?

Tropical Lagoon IS open. Last week the only stipulation was for there to be no more than 3 in your party (if I’m not mistaken). As for the fish (and coral), they’re my to-go spot. The fish are always healthy and eager to eat. Though the store isn’t huge by any means, they do an exceptional job managing the livestock as he always seem to have what I need when I need it. The corals are also healthy and open up as soon as they enter my tank.