Any idea what can be causing my copper (Cupramine) levels to drop? I have a QT setup with a sponge in the HOB filter and pvc pipe for the fish. I’m currently treating two clowns .50 for a couple of weeks now. I am testing with the Hanna test kit and my level went from .56 yesterday to .46 today. Only thing I can think of is maybe the air stone?
Leaching Copper
- Thread starter Heavymman
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HotRocks
Fish Fanatic!
There are many things that could be absorbing copper.
Sponge filter material is likely culprit. Also keep in mind using the Hanna checker and ionic low level copper products you have to consider the variance of the tester as well. Which is not a concern when using chelated as the range is much higher.
I believe the tester is more accurate than +/-.05ppm. That being said. You could have a copper level of .50ppm and read as low as .45ppm or as high as .55ppm based on the manufacturer statement. So if you test today and it's back up I wouldn't worry much.
The tester is very sensitive to smudges on glass and debris in the water as it shines light through the sample. Then the amount of passing light is how you get your reading.
Sponge filter material is likely culprit. Also keep in mind using the Hanna checker and ionic low level copper products you have to consider the variance of the tester as well. Which is not a concern when using chelated as the range is much higher.
I believe the tester is more accurate than +/-.05ppm. That being said. You could have a copper level of .50ppm and read as low as .45ppm or as high as .55ppm based on the manufacturer statement. So if you test today and it's back up I wouldn't worry much.
The tester is very sensitive to smudges on glass and debris in the water as it shines light through the sample. Then the amount of passing light is how you get your reading.
Big G
captain dunsel
+1 on the above by @HotRocks
The Hanna is very sensitive to bubbles, micro bubbles (gently, very gently sway the glass to avoid bubbles-this is hard for me- I like to really shake testing tubes/glass) , smuges on the glass. Consider using paper to dry but one of those wipes used for handling/cleaning camera lenses to keep the glass pristine and clear.
The Hanna is very sensitive to bubbles, micro bubbles (gently, very gently sway the glass to avoid bubbles-this is hard for me- I like to really shake testing tubes/glass) , smuges on the glass. Consider using paper to dry but one of those wipes used for handling/cleaning camera lenses to keep the glass pristine and clear.
OP
OP
Heavymman
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Have to be honest, I am very precise when doing the test and do everything to keep micro bubbles and smudges away. I even align the 10ml mark when doing the ref test and sample test to make sure if there is any imperfections in the glass I am accounting for that.
Big G
captain dunsel
Sounds good. Nice. So as @HotRocks posted it may just be the margin of error of the Hanna. A good reason to consider using Copper Power. The dosage is larger and thus the margin of error and its possible effect on your fish is reduced. I use both Cupramine and Copper Power depending on the fish's needs.
HotRocks
Fish Fanatic!
Lol don't feel like an idiot!
This happens frequently actually. It's like the 10th time I've seen someone think it was powder instead of power.
Here is the link.
Copper Power (Endich) ACP0016B Blue Treatment for Marine Fish, 16-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUFXFP6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UAPTBbRAG1G3M
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
you are talking to the Emperor of Idiots. Glad to have another join the possy 
LOL
Japtastic
Active Member
I also read it as Copper Powder until a couple of weeks ago [emoji23]
Maybe too late now but I have recently QT fish in Copper using the LR checker and found it to be very good. Much more accurate in the ranges you/I want.
I tested the same sample around 5 times each time I tested and took an average.
This worked out really well.
Maybe too late now but I have recently QT fish in Copper using the LR checker and found it to be very good. Much more accurate in the ranges you/I want.
I tested the same sample around 5 times each time I tested and took an average.
This worked out really well.
