Help with stingray-possible parasite?

[mwfishkeeper1]

I have a cortez ray that I just got about 3 days ago, and he is showing some signs of what I would otherwise think to be algae or something. I know I should have quarantined him, but the thing is that I am already using my qt tank, which has copper in the water, to house a panther grouper. I know that rays shouldn't be exposed to copper so I just put him right in the display. Anyway, I was wondering if you think this is a parasite or maybe a fungus, or maybe just algae from the sand because he does bury in the sand from time to time. Your input is appreciated! Oh, and I'll try to get pics on here ASAP.

Tank specs:
100gal
90 lbs LR
100 lbs LS
ph 8.3
amm 0
trites 0
trates ~ 20

juvi koran angel
yellow tang
sailfin tang
wolf eel
volitan lion

 

[mwfishkeeper1]

Here are the pics. Its kinda hard to see but it looks like his slime coat is trailing from him or something. Then theres a pic of the overall tank just so you can see.

 

[Grins]

I'm not sure, but from the little I know about stingrays isn't a reef or even a FOWLR not such a great idea? I was under the impression they needed lots of sand and little to no rocks. I'm racking my memory here but I'm thinking the tank is probably too small for it as well as there being compatibility issues. Neo on here knows a ton about rays, especially FW. You might try looking for his posts.

 

[strickrick]

There is a few things you should know to keep your fish happy and healthy:
1.) This fish is not going to do well in a tropical tank. Their temperature range is over 10 degrees less than that of your normal tropical tank.
2.) I've read not to keep with lions or puffers. When he burys himself in the sand and only his eyes are exposed, there is a chance they'll see it as fresh food and, well you know. If he's either bit like mine he'll probably swim wrecklessly over the lion and end up getting a venom dose. I've read numerous horror stories of this.
3.) He'll probably scratch his sensitive bottom on the rocks and cause an infection.
4.) Quick grower. Mine went from a 5" diameter to 10" in a year. They are surprisingly very active and needs a lot of open space & sand to swim.

I believe the problem you asked about is a slim coating on the ray. I've noticed this many times on mine and has never seen any negative signs while he had it. It may be just him getting used to the new tank.

Best of luck.