Copper in a Used tank?

[Ashish Patel]

About 8 years ago my cousin gave me 2 fish tanks that his tenants had left in his apartment. One was a 30 gallon rimless, I have no clue what it was used for but the copper test kits that where in the tank tell me Fish only system. What are my options to make this safe for coral and to confirm if copper is in fact in the silicone.

 

[ndrwater]

A long soak with a powerhead and a polyfilter will answer most questions. If the polyfilter turns blue, even slightly so, there is copper still in the tank.
The polyfilter absorbs copper, but until the filter stays white, it should be a fish only tank...

 

[redfishbluefish]

Copper doesn't "stick" to glass or silicone, so a wash with vinegar or muriatic acid (diluted 1 to 10) will clean it up. Good as new.

 

[ndrwater]

Copper doesn't "stick" to glass or silicone, so a wash with vinegar or muriatic acid (diluted 1 to 10) will clean it up. Good as new.

Myth dispelled, and I learned something new today... Yippee!!!

 

[Ashish Patel]

I am gonna soak and try the polyfilter aswell.. Thanks Reefers!!!

 

[babyjess210]

Copper doesn't "stick" to glass or silicone, so a wash with vinegar or muriatic acid (diluted 1 to 10) will clean it up. Good as new.

Thank you!! I used a 60 QT tank that had copper for years and i just clean it and house all my corals for months while i reset my main tank. Nobody believe me. lol