Gem tang and cupramine

[SteveC]

S Hi,
I have had this fish in a QT for 6 days.
First day no treatment.
For five days I have been increasing the cupramine by 0.1 per day.
Today is day 5 and at 0.5, however I noticed the tang had lightened colouring on the top front areas this morning. He was hovering at the top of the tank from time to timewhich he had not done previously and also occasionally in the small power head flow.
I’ve taken this as a reaction to the copper going from .4 to .5 As you can imagine I don’t want to take any chances with this beauty and quickly reduced the copper with water change back to 0.4. He has stopped the previous described behaviour, but still shows this lightened coloration. He has not stopped eating at all and is breathing normally.

My question is can I get away with the copper at 0.4, as he does not seem as stressed at that level other than this lightened colouring. Would copper power be a better option? I would need to have it sent from the USA as we do not have it here in Australia. I will post a picture.

 

[Humblefish]

Would copper power be a better option?

YES. I am currently treating a Gem Tang with Copper Power, and seeing no ill effects or appetite suppression.

 

[SteveC]

Hi Humblefish,
Thanks for your reply. Would the .4 level be ok? It will take a couple of weeks to get copper power.

Given he may be stressed would you advise total removal of the cupramine until the copper power arrives?

 

[Humblefish]

Hi Humblefish,
Thanks for your reply. Would the .4 level be ok? It will take a couple of weeks to get copper power.

Given he may be stressed would you advise total removal of the cupramine until the copper power arrives?

If he's eating/acting fine in 0.4 Cupramine, maintain that level. Technically 4 weeks at that level should be sufficient to clear ich & velvet.

 

[Smo]

Just curious, which Cu test kit are you using?

 

[SteveC]

I’m using a Hanna checker

 

[pecan2phat]

You prefer copper over chloroquine phosphate for surgeon fish?

 

[SteveC]

I’m probably not the one to ask that question. I do have some CP but have not used it before. I know that CP is NOT good for a blue tang. I could not find any information on CP with a Gem tang, so didn’t want to risk it.
I think if Humble Fish is using copper on a Gem tang rather than CP there must be a reason.

I don’t want to be the person who can say don’t use CP on a Gem tang, as it may kill it!
I’ve ordered some copper Safe for future use over cupramine, so hope it gets through customs ok.

 

[wesman42]

I’m probably not the one to ask that question. I do have some CP but have not used it before. I know that CP is NOT good for a blue tang. I could not find any information on CP with a Gem tang, so didn’t want to risk it.
I think if Humble Fish is using copper on a Gem tang rather than CP there must be a reason.

I don’t want to be the person who can say don’t use CP on a Gem tang, as it may kill it!
I’ve ordered some copper Safe for future use over cupramine, so hope it gets through customs ok.

Keep in mind the dosing instructions for copper safe are waaaaaay off. Measure in increments with that one...

 

[SteveC]

Oops , I meant copper power