Copper

[BradB]

I had a copper heat sink end up in my tank, and had immediate problems. I ran Cuprisorb which seemed to immediately stop the problem and coral slowly recovered. After 1 month, I switched to new Cuprisorb just in case.

I took the Triton test, and copper is 3.09 µg/l. No effect on coral, Xenia, which seemed most sensitive to copper, is growing out of control.

I am going to remove the old Cuprisorb tonight and put a fresh one in. Should I use more than one? At the same time? How long should I leave them?

Display is about 1000 liters, with about 300 more liters for sump, refugium, etc.

 

[beaslbob]

sounds to me like you got it fixed.

 

[BradB]

Fixed if 3.09µg/l is not a cause for concern.

 

[4FordFamily]

Fixed if 3.09µg/l is not a cause for concern.

X2

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That copper level is not an immediate concern, IMO, but I would continue to use Cuprisorb. My tank had 11-13 ppb when I first measured it years ago, and without any apparent cause or problem from it.

Copper will stick to rock and sand and may continue to be released over an extended period. Hence the desirability of ongoing export.

 

[BradB]

Thanks, how often should I change the cuprisorb?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm not really sure. Maybe 1-2 weeks. If it turns dark blue, replace it sooner.

 

[4FordFamily]

Thanks, how often should I change the cuprisorb?

I wouldn't until it turns darker or blue at all. Stuff can absorb a lot!

 

[Cory]

How long was the copper heat sink in the water for?

 

[BradB]

I don't know how long the heat sink was in the tank for. Less than 24 hours for certain, could have been only a few minutes.