How to use copper

[Humblefish]

No I haven't. I added melafix and pimafix today. My cooper i thought was low it was a yellowish color so didn't even register on the chart so I added more today but is it possible I added to much?

You really need to test it to see exactly where its at. That's the first step.

 

[dromo2189]

I only have melafix and pimafix. Here is my cooper level. It's a yellow/tan color. Should I do a water change?

IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170608/97f3f23cc12d98d6fee33f77d94499d7.jpg[/IMG]

 

[dromo2189]

 

[dromo2189]

That's my cooper level reading I just took

 

[Humblefish]

Can you take a photo of the vial looking down, with the white part underneath?

 

[melypr1985]

Yes, that needs to be viewed from the top. I bet your copper level is MUCH higher than you think it is.

 

[dromo2189]

 

[dromo2189]

I'm guessing by this look it's to high? And I should do a water change?

 

[Humblefish]

I'm guessing by this look it's to high? And I should do a water change?

Yes, you are poisoning your fish. You need to do a WC and get it down to 2.0 ppm ASAP.

 

[dromo2189]

Okay I just did a 50 percent water change hoping that will help. Can I do anything else?

 

[Humblefish]

Okay I just did a 50 percent water change hoping that will help. Can I do anything else?

Test copper again in about 30 mins.

 

[melypr1985]

Okay I just did a 50 percent water change hoping that will help. Can I do anything else?

That's it. The best you can do is that water change and retest. Don't feel too bad... tons of people make this mistake. It's an easy one to make. Now you know, and you can help others not make it

 

[dromo2189]

Okay I just did another water change for about a third of it. I'm going to let it go then o guess check in the morning. What are the chances of him pulling through?

 

[Humblefish]

What are the chances of him pulling through?

Hard to say - he does appear to have a secondary infection. I don't think Melafix + Pimafix is gonna cut it. Start looking for those 3 antibiotics @melypr1985 recommended.

 

[dromo2189]

Unfortunately he didn't make it. Do I have to empty the tank completely and bleach it all before setting up again?

 

[Humblefish]

Do I have to empty the tank completely and bleach it all before setting up again?

I would, yes.

 

[dromo2189]

Should I soak them in vinegar then let it dry out

 

[dromo2189]

My six line just beat up my leopard wrasse. She's swimming funny and the six line keeps going after her. The cooper levels are low in the qt tank do you think I can throw her in there and treat her? I just don't know what else to do

 

[Humblefish]

My six line just beat up my leopard wrasse. She's swimming funny and the six line keeps going after her. The cooper levels are low in the qt tank do you think I can throw her in there and treat her? I just don't know what else to do

Copper is only used to treat parasites ex. ich, velvet.

If your Leopard Wrasse is physically damaged, it would be best to administer a Methylene Blue bath and then place him in a QT (no meds) to heal.

If the damage is extensive, he may need antibiotics to ward off infection: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/antibiotics.283711/

 

[Steve1500]

Hi there! The proper way to use copper is in a QT with no sand or live rock in it. Here is a link with much more detailed info Copper

We are happy to answer any questions that leaves you with.

Hello, I just put 2 small percula clowns and a small benghai cardinal in my 30G QT. They look healthy and are eating well. I plan on medicating for 30 days w Mardel copper safe followed by praz. Before I do, I have a few questions:

1. Does the 30 day clock start at first dose or when I reach the therapeutic level after a few days?
2. Once added, do I do any WC's or just monitor copper levels, water and fish? The instructions say to treat the replacement water w/ copper safe and this is what confuses me.
3. I assume I add copper if the level drops below. But, do I add the copper to the water BEFORE it goes into the QT? If so, I assume saltwater and not RODI, right? But what if it goes above....small water change and then adjust as necessary?
4. I have a sponge filter in my HOB, do I discard that once the copper cycle is over? Or, will copper removal procedures remove the copper from the sponge? I added biospira directly onto the sponge and I am concerned I would be tossing all the good stuff.
5. Finally, I plan on mixing some metroplex/focus w frozen food during the copper phase, ok?

#2 and 3 are what confuse me the most!!

As always, thanks so much!
Steve