Copper has been used effectively to treat algae and parasites infection. It works by entering into the parasitic cells, damaging their cell membranes and eventually killing them.
When treating parasite infection, the free copper level must be maintained to a level that is therapeutic to fish disease but not toxic to fish and invertebrate species.
The recommended range is 0.15-0.2 ppm of free Copper (Cu2+). Below this extent it'll not kill the parasite and over this range it'll kill the fish and adversely influence invertebrates.
The solubility of copper is highly pH dependent. As pH increases above 7, copper precipitates out of solution. The danger is when pH drops below 7, precipitated copper will re-dissolve, inducing a rise of free copper to a toxic level.
Because of these complications, it is never advised to treat the tank but instead treat the diseased fish in a separate tank (quarantine tank). Always make sure to measure copper levels in your tank twice a day to ensure a healthy aquatic environment to your tank habitats
Test your quarantine tank with the ReefBot and ReefBot Pro using ELOS Cu Wateranalysis
Learn more on: reefkinetics.com
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