copper dosed

[snakeblitz33]

I'm taking care of a friends 225 gallon tank that was dosed with copper about six months ago. There has been a regular water change on it at least twice a month (20 gallon water change). By the way, I believe the medication used was "Ick Attack."
Parameters are all looking perfect, no signs of parasites/ich/ick. I'm installing an 80 watt UV sterlizer to help with any more bacteria/parasite/algal problems.
The main question is, how can I get out as much copper in the tank as possible, in hopes that a few very hardy corals can survive in it? (most likely not)
The second question is,... if it can't be done, what types of invertebrates, I.E. shrimp, hermits, etc. can I add to the tank to make it look better?

 

[baloo6969]

ICK ATTACK is NOT copper, it's an organic solution to riding a tank of ICK.
Second, If you (or your friend) had actually dosed your tank with copper, there would be NO corals left.
Third, if you’ve been doing regular water changes, without making up for the lost copper, then your copper levels are probably low anyway(if it was used)
Your best bet(what I do once a month for 1 week) is use Kent’s “Regenerable Toxix Metal Sponge”. It’s pricy, but you can re-generate it with some Acid, and PHbuff.
Lastly, if you want a cool invert pack, this website has some decent Invert packs…some snails, clams, crabs, stars…

 

[snakeblitz33]

I was thinking of using some polyfilters... any luck with those?

 

[snakeblitz33]

the tank may also have been dosed with not only Ick Attack but also some sort of copper based medium. My friend isn't sure because he just likes the fish and had a lfs come in and take care of his aquarium.

 

[baloo6969]

poly filters will remove LARGE flowing "Things" your talking about metal that is sooo fine, and in a liquid form...
I use the Poly filter pads by corallife that are 100 micron...cut them up, and bust out the needle and thread, and make bags out of them, then cover the line going into my sump, that does a great job of polishing up the water.
But what your talking about is removing a metal from your water, if you did even use metal (which if your used ick attack you did NOT) using the toxic metal sponge will be the “easiest” option, but water changes with RO/DI water will do the trick.
IF you were talking about using the toxic metal sponge IN a poly filter bag, go get a pack of white(un colored)lady's stocking(or use your old lady's "Run" stockings...but wash first) then fill that with the sponge, that will work nice....

 

[snakeblitz33]

hmm, so the polyfilters basically polish the water and do not take the copper out, however with the use of this kent regenerable toxic metal sponge will take out most if not all of the copper out of the aquarium. Along with adequate water changes.
Since the Ick Attack was used on the tank, constantly running carbon for the last six months should have removed most if not all of the medication from the tank, correct?

 

[geoj]

Have you tested the water for copper if not, this is where I would start and if there is copper then when you use products to remove it you will know if it is working. If you test and you get no reading for copper then you are safe because copper is a need trace element and the tests are calibrated for toxicity.

 

[mx#28]

Poly-filters WILL absorb toxic materials - including copper. However, Ich Attack is a garlic based solution that does not contain copper. I would get a copper test and find out what is or isn't in there and go from there.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Hmm, I will test for copper, it might be awhile. So, if copper IS in the tank, besides the heavy metal sponge, is there anything else that can be used for the removal of copper?
I never use any medication for parasites etc. I always take the natural way out. (also if you consider hypo semi-natural) So I have no idea how to remove medications from an aquarium. Thanks for any advice.

 

[snakeblitz33]

I will test the water, but my friend has already bought 9 polyfilters, so I guess I will use one and see if the pad turns blue/green. If it does, I guess there is copper in it.
However, besides using a polyfilter, the sponge, or water changes, ... what is the "natural" or "acceptable" range of copper in a reef system, assuming that the answer is not always going to be "0"?

 

[mx#28]

Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33
I will test the water, but my friend has already bought 9 polyfilters, so I guess I will use one and see if the pad turns blue/green. If it does, I guess there is copper in it.
However, besides using a polyfilter, the sponge, or water changes, ... what is the "natural" or "acceptable" range of copper in a reef system, assuming that the answer is not always going to be "0"?

There is no harm in running poly-filters all the time whether you have toxic metals or not, so the nine filters weren't purchased in vain
The 'acceptable' copper level in a reef tank is not really zero, and shouldn't be since it is used as a trace element in most synthetic salt mixes, but should be 'undectable' or very close.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Alright, I will run the polyfilters for a few weeks and retest the tank to see how high the copper is. Then we will decide on getting a heavy metal sponge. Thanks for all ya'lls help. I appreciate it very much.