Copper Masking Velvet/Brook

[puffy127]

What evidence is there for low, non-therapeutic levels of copper masking velvet and brook?

When would the symptoms begin to manifest themselves after being put into non-copper water?

 

[Maritimer]

I have heard of symptoms taking as much as a month or so to present.

@Humblefish could probably clarify . . .

~Bruce

 

[Humblefish]

The evidence is only anecdotal, but I've seen it enough times to believe that subtherapeutic copper will mask symptoms of parasites. It's something I have no doubt about. Once the fish is removed & placed in non-medicated water, symptoms can take up to 30 days to fully manifest.

 

[puffy127]

Thanks.

 

[Deinonych]

My personal opinion, based on anecdotal evidence, is that sub-therapeutic levels of copper keep the numbers of parasites low enough to prevent a full-blown infection. Some dinospores/theronts survive to keep the infection going with the fish remaining asymptomatic. This is why you see seemingly healthy fish get sick after a couple of weeks in untreated water.