Victoria M
5000 Club Member
why copper power vs cupramine? @HotRocks @Humblefish I always have used CP or cupramine by Seachem and would like to understand the shift in practice. Thank you.
copper power vs cupramine?
- Thread starter Victoria M
- Start date
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I used Cupramine for years and it’s no doubt a great product. Unfortunately for me it was a little hard on the fish especially with certain species.
That was the reason I switched. I started using Coppersafe and it works, but I feel like there’s a better product. I just ordered some copper power. I’ll post back here after I use it as I have a batch of fish with Velvet and Ich right now.
Or you can follow me on YouTube @ Reefahholic where you’ll see video updates of testing and the current fish of pre and post treatment.
That was the reason I switched. I started using Coppersafe and it works, but I feel like there’s a better product. I just ordered some copper power. I’ll post back here after I use it as I have a batch of fish with Velvet and Ich right now.
Or you can follow me on YouTube @ Reefahholic where you’ll see video updates of testing and the current fish of pre and post treatment.
HotRocks
Fish Fanatic!
Cupramine is still a good product. Copper power is superior IMO as I haven't found a fish yet that won't tolerate the med. It also has a wider therapeutic range. Easier to adjust the level etc.
OP
OP
Victoria M
5000 Club Member
Thank you very much!
OP
OP
Victoria M
5000 Club Member
Thank you!
Big G
captain dunsel
Another plus to using a chelated copper, like Copper Power, is it works on a larger variety of fish without some of the sensitivity that's been observed with ionic coppers like Cupramine. Here's a link to a very nice chart that may be of some use to you:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fish-and-treatment-guidelines-with-chart.283450/#post-3449648
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fish-and-treatment-guidelines-with-chart.283450/#post-3449648
OP
OP
Victoria M
5000 Club Member
Thank you!
I tried using ionic copper (not Cupramine, but a similar formula) and lost two orange-back wrasses (the first two I ever purchased) in the process. Switched to chelated copper, and have had much better results; wrasse, anthias, angelfish ... all took the med with no trouble. I even had a target mandarin survive 30 days in chelated copper, which is pretty much a no-no for those guys! She's still with me, though I'm a tad disappointed that she won't share her 220 gallons with a blue mandarin . . .
Part of the reason, I think, is that the therapeutic range for chelated copper is pretty broad: 1.5-2.0. For ionic copper, it's 0.4-0.5, with a preferred level at 0.45. A bit of evaporation could send you into toxic ranges, a mis-measured top-off might have you below therapeutic.
For me . . . chelated copper (Coppersafe, Copper Power) just works.
~Bruce
Part of the reason, I think, is that the therapeutic range for chelated copper is pretty broad: 1.5-2.0. For ionic copper, it's 0.4-0.5, with a preferred level at 0.45. A bit of evaporation could send you into toxic ranges, a mis-measured top-off might have you below therapeutic.
For me . . . chelated copper (Coppersafe, Copper Power) just works.
~Bruce
I was talking to a guy one time and he was extremely adamant about how Copper Power saved all his fish and this and that.
He told me he didn't care what anybody said about anything...that all he knew is he trusted Copper Power with his life! lol
I've never forgot about that and promised myself I'd test the product and see if I noticed any major differences. I'll keep you guys posted.
He told me he didn't care what anybody said about anything...that all he knew is he trusted Copper Power with his life! lol
I've never forgot about that and promised myself I'd test the product and see if I noticed any major differences. I'll keep you guys posted.
OP
OP
Victoria M
5000 Club Member
Thank you for the more detailed information.
Catfish2
Active Member
Im I correct that the hanna checker for cooper is only meant for ionic copper? I purchased one in preperation for QTing all my incoming fish for my new setup. I was planning on using cupramine, but now I'm leaning toward a chealated copper product. Is the Hanna useless? If so, what is the best way to test chealated copper product levels? The API test kit?
Big G
captain dunsel
The Hanna HL Copper Checker works extremely well with chelated coppers. Highly recommend Copper Power.
Nope; works for both. Using it now with Copper Power and it reads true and easy.
Still in the ramp-up phase:
(Missed a dose last night as we were out to dinner. Ah well; slow is better than fast!)
Catfish2
Active Member
I really appreciate everyone's responses. I've seen people using it with success with chelated copper products. However, I called Hanna prior to getting any responses and the rep told me that the reagent reacts with ionic copper to give the color which is measured by the meter. He advised against using chelated copper, thinking that it would not react with the reagent properly. He was looking all of this up in the manual and had to research the "EPA method" of testing, which is what the manual says is used, to determine this. I only mention that because it did not seem like he had first hand knowledge of the checkers capabilities, but had to do some research. I really appreciate that he looked into it, but I suppose if so many are having success using it with chelated copper, I shouldn't worry.
I will be using Copper Power.
HotRocks
Fish Fanatic!
It actually works with either. I worked directly with Hanna during the research phase. It's easier to use with chelated products due to the fact the range is much wider than what ionic coppers are. So you have more "wiggle room".
