Fish swiming near powerhead

[melypr1985]

IIRC on Seachem tech forum they say it's ok to use API test kit for Cupramine. Of course, I will try to find the post later. Also heard Seachem test is a PITA to read.

I hate to be rude about those techs so I wont say anything on that. API doesn't measure in small enough increments to be able to accurately measure Ionic copper such as cupramine. The seachem test is just as irritating to read as the API one is. It's all shades of blue or brown or whatever. Since Ionic copper has a much lower therapeutic level a more accurate test is needed to read the .3 and .5 and so on. Chelated copper has a therapeutic level of 2.5-3ppm which is considerably higher and too high for the seachem test to read, which makes the API kit much better suited to this type of copper. I can link you to an article by @Humblefish if you'd like that explains it better. He has such a way with words

 

[DrewBrees713]

Who is this copper guru you speak of

 

[Humblefish]

^^ Agree with Meredith. While you technically can use API to measure any form of copper, it is a PITA to use to measure low range ionic copper like Cupramine. It works much better reading high range chelated copper such as Coppersafe or Copper Power.

There's a difference between being able to do something and being able to do it easily.

 

[DrewBrees713]

I understand velvet can kill rather quickly but copper only kills the free swiming tomonts. So most fish will die b4 then since velvet is so deadly?

 

[TheEngineer]

Humblefish's treatment plan has steps to address the ones currently attached and give the fish a fighting chance. You need to move quickly though.

 

[DrewBrees713]

I added more oxygen via additional wavemakers (2) and slowly dropping temp per Dr Fish's article. Fish still swim near the surface, eating a bit, and lethargic. At least theyre arent dead yet so there's some hope.

 

[Humblefish]

I understand velvet can kill rather quickly but copper only kills the free swiming tomonts. So most fish will die b4 then since velvet is so deadly?

Some fish last longer than others. Some are capable of developing temporary or even permanent immunity. But the odds are not in the fish's favour.

 

[Leobeas]

I hate to be rude about those techs so I wont say anything on that. API doesn't measure in small enough increments to be able to accurately measure Ionic copper such as cupramine. The seachem test is just as irritating to read as the API one is. It's all shades of blue or brown or whatever. Since Ionic copper has a much lower therapeutic level a more accurate test is needed to read the .3 and .5 and so on. Chelated copper has a therapeutic level of 2.5-3ppm which is considerably higher and too high for the seachem test to read, which makes the API kit much better suited to this type of copper. I can link you to an article by @Humblefish if you'd like that explains it better. He has such a way w

My blue Hippo Tang keeps scratching herself on the rock and swims in circles around the hang on filter. I'll send video in a bit. So two things. She either has something like a paracite or the cuppermain that's been in the tank since Nov 1 is burning her skin? I don't want to jump the gun and run carbon yet because I have 3 newer fish in there. But all the fish act normal and eat a lot. Dory also eats a lot. But after she's finished she goes back to the hang on filter goes in circles and scratches herself on that rock. Idk what to think.

 

[nirc]

Is it possible that the fish swim near the power heads because of cooper overdose?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Is it possible that the fish swim near the power heads because of cooper overdose?

Hi,

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Typically, no - copper toxicity usually won't cause the fish to seek out water flow, that is typically due to gill disease. If you have a fish that is doing that, consider submitting your question as a new thread. Information that is helpful for us to know about your tank are in this link:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/s...sease-treatment-and-diagnosis-section.775547/

Thanks,

Jay