Copper use/tank crash

-XENOMORPH- · Jun 8, 2017

Ok, i got a 55 gal salt, been running 1 yr, last 2 weeks, few fish die, water tests good, salinity fine. 2 clowns dead this morning, i got survivors into emergency.15 gallon hospital, fish look fine. No bites tears, no disease i can see.
Im going drastic, total restart on 55 gallon. This has been an on off issue. Ive had water tested as well. I cant take it. So..... im doing a total reboot.
Question 1 is.. tank empty of life...no fish snails crabs. All out...do i copper treat it? Or use another virus killer? Question 2... how long? Question 3. If i want to clean skimmer, do i use white vinegar? And after all that, refill it, and start cycle? Thanku for help

Brew12 · Jun 8, 2017

ckgriffin2000 said:
Ok, i got a 55 gal salt, been running 1 yr, last 2 weeks, few fish die, water tests good, salinity fine. 2 clowns dead this morning, i got survivors into emergency.15 gallon hospital, fish look fine. No bites tears, no disease i can see.
Im going drastic, total restart on 55 gallon. This has been an on off issue. Ive had water tested as well. I cant take it. So..... im doing a total reboot.
Question 1 is.. tank empty of life...no fish snails crabs. All out...do i copper treat it? Or use another virus killer? Question 2... how long? Question 3. If i want to clean skimmer, do i use white vinegar? And after all that, refill it, and start cycle? Thanku for help

Very few pathogens that will kill a fish can survive in a tank without fish. Many people trying to clear parasites out of their tank will just pull the fish out of it for 76+ days. That will clear most issues without a hard reset.

I wouldn't copper treat it since the copper is absorbed by rocks. Bleach would be a great option if you want to do a hard reset and start a new cycle. Dump a bunch of bleach in it for a day or two, dry it out, rinse it well, then refill.