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Never dealt with velvet, but this thread's got me paranoid. Gonna check my tank when I get home. What's the first sign to look for?

reef_digger wrote: ↑Fri Sep 19, 2025 2:33 am Never dealt with velvet, but this thread's got me paranoid. Gonna check my tank when I get home. What's the first sign to look for?

Usually, they rub against stuff and get a gold or rust-colored dusting. It's subtle at first, so check under bright light.

I've read that lowering the tank's pH slightly can help, as velvet prefers alkaline water. Has anyone tried this?

museo wrote: ↑Fri Sep 19, 2025 6:21 am I've read that lowering the tank's pH slightly can help, as velvet prefers alkaline water. Has anyone tried this?

Nah, I wouldn't mess with pH unless it's way off. Sudden changes stress fish more than the parasite. Stick to heat and salt, it's tried and true.

Anyone know if velvet can survive in a dry tank? I'm thinking of tearing down and restarting if this doesn't clear up.

Anyone know if velvet can survive in a dry tank? I'm thinking of tearing down and restarting if this doesn't clear up.

onyxer wrote: ↑Fri Sep 19, 2025 1:29 pm Anyone know if velvet can survive in a dry tank? I'm thinking of tearing down and restarting if this doesn't clear up.

Nope, it needs a host to survive. But spores can linger in wet filters or substrate. If you restart, bleach everything or let it dry for a week.