using copper to help control a tank?

[darklcd]

hey all

I just had a question about using copper in aquariums. I was talking to one of the workers at the aquarium in the mall of america and he mentioned that they use copper in the saltwater tanks that do not contain coral he told me that it will "kill anything without a back bone".

I was wondering what this would be used for and if its a good idea at all.

Thanks

 

[ReefLogic]

from my experience once you copper it collects in the silicon and all and just leaches back into your system. I would advise not to use copper if you plan on having coral....but I am not certain. Let more chime in here as I may be wrong.

 

[mojoreef]

I would agree with Reeflogic


Mojo

 

[ssgatbliss]

Yep, always heard that copper isn't something that you want to add. Most invertebrates (aka without a backbone) will perish with high levels of copper.

 

[jrgilles]

Used to treat all kinds of fish diseases. I wouldn't use it though. Will kill all inverts in your tank.

If you need to treat a fish with copper, I'd do it in a hospital tank.

 

[darklcd]

I don't have to use it at all at the moment I was just wondering what it was used for. I don't have any coral in my tank nor do I plan on any in this set up. I was just wondering if it can be used to control algae or keeping fish healthy thats all

 

[ReefLogic]

Yes will keep fish healthy from parasites like ich and so forth.

 

[mcoomer]

As everyone else has noted, copper shouldn't be used in your main tank. It's best used in a quarantine tank and only if the fish is showing symptoms of parasitic infestation. Some folks treat all their new fish with copper but I prefer to leave them in the quarantine tank for 6-8 weeks to ensure they're free of parasites. If they don't show symptoms in that time frame then I move them to the main tank. If I can avoid using copper I do as it can be stressful for the fish. You also have to monitor the level of copper with a test kit because you can kill a fish if the concentration is too high and won't kill parasites if it's too low.

Mike

 

[ReefLogic]

Very good point brought up by Mcoomer. Must be careful of how much you are using. I would just recommend a UV Sterilizer....it will kill the parasites without any detrimental affects....plus you don't have to worry about over dosing or anything like that.