Ich?
- Thread starter joro
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joro
That Guy
Starting to get the hang of this I guessThat is all exactly correct.
Another question as well, I have a separate thread talking about a Nitrite Spike I've been having in the QT but @Randy Holmes-Farley has advised it's not high enough for concern at this point. Is there any value in adding some more Bio-Spira to the mix with CopperSafe when I do the water change or should I just leave it alone? Also, what about cleaning the sponge in the HOB filter, should I wash that out as well?
Once copper is already in the water, it will zap any nitrifying bacteria before it has a chance to get seeded. Only embedded bacteria seem "safe" from copper. Some still die, but not all.
You can squeeze out the sponge, but do it in a bucket of SW to avoid killing the bacteria.
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joro
That Guy
Just performed water change and will add the next 5ml dose here shortly. One thing I didn't really think of until today is whether the CopperSafe is safe to be working with and in bare-handed? I don't huff or drink it but I'm in the tank multiple times a day vacuuming, switching out veggies clips, etc. The bottle doesn't seem to indicate any concerns with coming in contact with it; however, figured I would check just in case I'm about to die a mysterious death 
Just performed water change and will add the next 5ml dose here shortly. One thing I didn't really think of until today is whether the CopperSafe is safe to be working with and in bare-handed? I don't huff or drink it but I'm in the tank multiple times a day vacuuming, switching out veggies clips, etc. The bottle doesn't seem to indicate any concerns with coming in contact with it; however, figured I would check just in case I'm about to die a mysterious death
I don't worry about my skin coming in contact with liquid copper, although formalin is another matter.
No harm in using rubber gloves when handling it if you want to be totally safe.
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joro
That Guy
I added the final 5ml dose today and let it mix for a while in the tank. I took a reading using the API Copper Kit and I'm having a hard time reading it but it seems to be between 1.0 and 2.0, probably closer to the 2.0 based on color. Is there a better way to read this kit or suggestion for a more accurate measure? I also have the Seachem Kit but I believe that can't be used with Chelated Copper?
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joro
That Guy
On another note unrelated to Ich specifically, I've noticed the larger Clown the past few days exhibit some odd behavior where she seems to almost wedge herself under one of the PVC pipes. As soon as I walk up, she comes out, and she continues to have a great appetite coming to the top during feeding. Any idea what's she doing? Also apologies for the Tang who won't get out of the way, you'd be lucky to see her a week ago and now she wants to get in front of every video/photo I try to take 
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joro
That Guy
So I should maintain roughly this same coloration for 30 days for best practice correct? Also, just to confirm, when I top off with fresh RODI, I don't need to add Copper to that correct, just when I remove water during a water change?
In regard to the video, not sure why it's throwing that message as it's setup for public viewing. Here's a link if it helps -
Yes, maintain 30 days at that concentration. Add copper to replacement water, but not top off.
I get this when I go to the Youtube URL:
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joro
That Guy
Almost at a week into treatment and everyone is doing very well, eating like little pigs, and cruising around. The larger clown (bottom left) does have a small dot that I noticed today during feeding (which is hard to see in the photo and equally in person) but I suspect it may just be some debris that got stuck. I'll monitor of course to make sure it doesn't hang around 
I was thinking today about water testing in QT and wanted to get your opinion on the proper tests/intervals during the Copper treatment. I've been testing Copper everyday, Salinity about every 2 days, and I have the SeaChem Ammonia Alert Badge - all of which are within range. Should I also be testing Nitrate/Nitrite/pH or will the copper skew those readings? I did have a a little spike in Nitrites but Randy said not to be concerned given the low values relative to what most saltwater fish could withstand.
I was thinking today about water testing in QT and wanted to get your opinion on the proper tests/intervals during the Copper treatment. I've been testing Copper everyday, Salinity about every 2 days, and I have the SeaChem Ammonia Alert Badge - all of which are within range. Should I also be testing Nitrate/Nitrite/pH or will the copper skew those readings? I did have a a little spike in Nitrites but Randy said not to be concerned given the low values relative to what most saltwater fish could withstand.
melypr1985
totally addicted
Honestly the only things I bother with in QT is Temp, Copper (if using it), ammonia and SG - that's it
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joro
That Guy
10-4 and definitely helps, thank you!
^^Agree with the lady; nice looking Kole Tang BTW!
Thanks! Fortunately the spot was just debris and the larger clown has a clean bill of health for now. Doing a 50% water change today and will make sure to re-dose the new water to keep the therapeutic level constant.
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joro
That Guy
Got another question, our Kole Tang has been eating sparingly the past 2-3 days when she normally has a voracious appetite. She's still swimming around all day and not breathing heavily; however, I did notice this discoloration on one side of her body today. Is this something to worry about? For what it's worth, both clowns are still very happy, eating, etc!
BTW, I also double-checked the copper level and it's still close to 2.0 (same coloration as before).
BTW, I also double-checked the copper level and it's still close to 2.0 (same coloration as before).
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joro
That Guy
I haven't notice any flashing / rubbing behavior recently and she's pretty "social" when I'm in the office during the day - coming out to the front of the tank. I know Copper can cause the appetite suppression but we're going into Week 2 at full therapeutic concentration - is it unusual that she would be eating fine for days then just randomly stop or not eat much?
Every fish is a little different, but for some the longer they're in copper the tougher it gets.
