copper stinks!!!

bkvreef

Member
I have come to the conclusion that my 110g aquarium had been treated (by a previous owner) with copper thus putting my t-5 lighting and hope of a reef aquarium to waste.
I am curious what suggestions would you have for a 72" x 18" x 18" aquarium?
 

bkvreef

Member
Originally Posted by molly05
Fowlr
I agree. I'm sorry I didn't do a good job of phrasing my question. What specific inhabitants would you include in your FOWLR.
 

bkvreef

Member
Originally Posted by montdj
have you tested it for cooper?
Yes I have however, it has not tested any amount.
I have been told by several that just because it doesn't test that it doesn't mean that it hasn't been absorbed into the lr, ls, etc.
Before anyone starts asking all my levels are on (i.e. pH, alk, calc. etc)
The only one is nitrate which is right around 20.
 

teresaq

Active Member
try running some of this
Chemi-Pure
* Multi-purpose chemical filter media removes dissolved organics and more
* Enjoy sparkling water and maintain a perfect pH in any aquarium
* Long-lasting chemical filter media reduces aquarium maintenance
Your fish will live a healthier life – up to 4 times longer. Works equally well in marine or freshwater aquariums to remove heavy metals, copper, phenol, ammonia and other nitrogenous waste. Helps keep pH at a consistently safe range and your water sparkling clear. Fantastic for use with African Cichlids and Discus. Use one 10 ounce unit, already packed in a filter bag, for up to 40 gallons. Remains active for 4-6 months.
Tips from our Techs
Many of our customers enjoy fewer necessary water changes when they use Chemi-Pure. Its ability to sustain and stabilize high water quality over longer periods makes it quite popular with discus and reef keepers.
 

xdave

Active Member
Although testing negative for copper doesn't necessarily mean there's none, it definitely doesn't mean there is. Why have you concluded your tank was treated with copper?
 

bkvreef

Member
Originally Posted by xDave
Although testing negative for copper doesn't necessarily mean there's none, it definitely doesn't mean there is. Why have you concluded your tank was treated with copper?

I've tried the large water changes, the extended long drip acclimations for new inverts, and my corals that had been thriving are even now dead.
 

wolfpackgrl

New Member
Originally Posted by bkvreef
I've tried the large water changes, the extended long drip acclimations for new inverts, and my corals that had been thriving are even now dead.
Hey I am having the same problem as you? Have figured out what your problem might be. I haven't tested for copper but that is my next step. I have tried several different types of snails but they have all died. Almost all my corals have been wiped out except for my mushrooms. The crabs seem to still be doing fine. Is this the same with you?
 

d0 thy d3w

Member
Originally Posted by wolfpackgrl
Hey I am having the same problem as you? Have figured out what your problem might be. I haven't tested for copper but that is my next step. I have tried several different types of snails but they have all died. Almost all my corals have been wiped out except for my mushrooms. The crabs seem to still be doing fine. Is this the same with you?
ive never had this problem and hopefully i never will..but do u think maybe there is sumthing in the tank thats eating them?? also..inverts need a sumwhat higher Sg lvl dont they?? i try to always keep mine at about 1.026
 

stanlalee

Active Member
my 30gallon was treated to therapeutic levels of copper and many amphipods still managed to survive so I wouldn't just assume copper as the culprit. this tank has crushed coral known to absorb copper (took me about 6x the recommended dose to reach therapeutic water levels). If it is copper I think I'd buy new sand and rocks rather than go FOWLR especially after buying lights. I have the same size tank as you and used play sand (cost $10) and half my rock is base rock. A tank that size you should have what you really want and not settle for FOWLR.
 

renogaw

Active Member
someone posted that to really nkow if you have copper is to use a white filter media. if it turns green you have copper. after a couple years of good filtration i guess it will go away.
 

d0 thy d3w

Member
Originally Posted by Stanlalee
my 30gallon was treated to therapeutic levels of copper and many amphipods still managed to survive so I wouldn't just assume copper as the culprit. this tank has crushed coral known to absorb copper (took me about 6x the recommended dose to reach therapeutic water levels). If it is copper I think I'd buy new sand and rocks rather than go FOWLR especially after buying lights. I have the same size tank as you and used play sand (cost $10) and half my rock is base rock. A tank that size you should have what you really want and not settle for FOWLR.
i agree tho the choice is really up to u...in my opinion fowler tanks are onyl cool when u have like 300+ gallons and u can stock it with big aggresive fish such as tangs, angels, butterflies etc
 

wpayton34

Member
Originally Posted by renogaw
someone posted that to really nkow if you have copper is to use a white filter media. if it turns green you have copper. after a couple years of good filtration i guess it will go away.
Ya it also takes out heavy metals. Its called a polyfilter. I made the same mistake in my tank and what i am currently doing is buying polyfilters and water changes. That will help get copper out.
 
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