I normally use an extremely diluted bleach solution to sterilize even new tanks. Just make sure you rinse it well and allow it to dry completely, to dissipate all chlorine, before you add water... As for the copper kit, I use a Sera Cu (copper) kit, and am very happy with it. It is one of the cheaper kits available out there, and should be available at any LFS. I use this kit for regular tank/RO testing, as well as disease treatment purposes...Good Luck in the worlds greatest hobby...