I purchase a branching rock at my lfs tonight that I found out had been in copper. I want to figure out how I can make this rock reef safe before I add it to my tank. Throwing it out, or returning it is not an option since I haven’t been able to find branch rock around me for well over a year. What is a good way to remove the copper? Thanks.
Copper removal help
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Philly Reefer
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Sorry to say.. its not worth having that rock in your tank if you are going to add corals or invertebrates
Courtney Aldrich
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I would soak the rock for several weeks in a solution of EDTA, which will tightly bind the copper ions impregnated in the rock (purchase here: https://www.loudwolf.com/storefront/index.php?route=product/product&path=687&product_id=1724). Submerse in RO/DI water and add 0.5-1 oz of EDTA. After soaking in EDTA, discard the water and soak in RO/DI water for another week.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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Yes, that will probably work, but you need to rinse very well before using the rock. Getting substantial EDTA into the tank is not desirable, IMO, as it may make a number of trace elements less bioavailable.
My typical suggestion is to expose the rock to acid (such as straight vinegar) and dissolve off a very thin outer layer. Then you can treat further, if you wish, by soaking in a solution with a metal binder in it (like cuprisorb).
My typical suggestion is to expose the rock to acid (such as straight vinegar) and dissolve off a very thin outer layer. Then you can treat further, if you wish, by soaking in a solution with a metal binder in it (like cuprisorb).
Philly Reefer
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I would rather return that rock than not having a piece of mind in future.
Everytime a coral or invert dies, my 1st question would be... Is it the copper leaching out again?
If there is still residual copper, you exposed all your rocks in DT now, what do you do then?
Get all new rocks?
Everytime a coral or invert dies, my 1st question would be... Is it the copper leaching out again?
If there is still residual copper, you exposed all your rocks in DT now, what do you do then?
Get all new rocks?
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sevitz5
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I appreciate all the help. My main problem is, in Ohio where I’m at, I can’t get a rock like this anywhere. I have been looking for the last 2 years. I am going to cut the small branches off and use them to mount some SPS Frags up off my existing rock work.
Philly Reefer
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Just to clarify, you are looking around your LFS, right? Cause I am pretty sure some online vendors have them.
I understand it's not cheap to ship
Philly Reefer
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I wish you luck then.
Aquatic Technology in Lorain County has some still with feather dusters and such, I have some, it’s pretty diverse. I can’t speak on his price as I jacked him outta friendship LOL. I’ll take a pic in 8 min
Exactly....Might be relevant to ask if you want “ole School” real submerged branch or once dry cycled stuff? Big difference in price to be sure. Also be advised the live stuff can have unwanted(s)
Courtney Aldrich
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I think you can safely remove the copper using EDTA. As Randy pointed out it also important to remove the EDTA, which is why I suggested soaking in water for another week following the initial EDTA treatment. To help remove any EDTA you could also soak in some mild acid overnight as this would help remove any EDTA bound to the rock. I think this would be safe and effective. There are also biodegradable chelating agents you can use such as nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), and iminodisuccinic acid (IDS). I have attached a review on these if you're interested. I would soak the rock in these compounds for 3 days (maybe repeat once for another 3 days with fresh compound), then in water for a week or two. Any residual chelating agents left in the rock will degrade in a few weeks, so you won't have any contamination.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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It won't require much to eventually pull it out, but twice as much might go about twice as fast (not really certain as I'm not sure what the slow step is, or even what the molecular level process is: copper comes off the solid surface and into the waiting arms of EDTA, or EDTA helping to actually pull it off).
I see no reason to not use a substantial amount since it may not be a fast process to begin with.
Courtney Aldrich
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I would suggest 1-2 grams per gallon. This would give you about 250-500 ppm EDTA, which is more than you need.
