Making a more Natural QT

Instigate · Dec 23, 2017

I would like to make my QT more natural and comfortable for incoming fish. Right now I just have some pvc hides and some plastic plants. If I put some large shells in the tank would they absorb copper? I know rock and sand are out. Is there anything else I can do to make a better qt? I saw @mdbannister QT and thought that fish are probably much happier in a less clinical environment like that. Will copper kill macro algaes?

I have a 20 gallon QT that I don't take down and I use copper in that system. And I also have a 10 gallon tank that I use if I need to use antibiotics. It's broken down inbetween uses.

hijinks7 · Dec 23, 2017

You can use rocks and sand.. you just cant reuse them in a display with inverts.

Instigate · Dec 23, 2017

hijinks7 said:
You can use rocks and sand.. you just cant reuse them in a display with inverts.

Rock and sand will absorb the copper possibly dropping the amount of copper in the water to sub-therapeutic levels. I know of a youtuber(can't remember if it's Melev's Reef or Mile High Reefers) that uses a rock and sand copper QT but he has been running copper in the system for years and I'm assuming the rock and sand has absorbed as much copper as it can and no longer does so.

Instigate · Dec 24, 2017

Ento-Reefer · Dec 24, 2017

I have been thinking about this also. I have seen milehigh reefers videos on YouTube and I think the substrate adds more surface area for bacteria as well as helping to make the tank more natural for the fish. I’m not sure if just testing frequently for copper levels would help avoid the absorption issue. I have never tried this myself.

Instigate · Dec 27, 2017

It would help you track what's happening but as soon as you drop below therapeutic levels you have to reset the clock I think.

reeferanonymous · Dec 27, 2017

What is general consensus of “therapeutic” level of copper?

I find the tests hard to read...

OREGONIC · Dec 27, 2017

If could figure out at what rate copper levels dropped you could use a dosing pump to keep copper levels stable i would think.

Instigate · Dec 27, 2017

reeferanonymous said:
What is general consensus of “therapeutic” level of copper?

I find the tests hard to read...

Depends on the copper you're using. The copper test kit on linked in that thread is expensive but seems like it would be way better than the ones most people use.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/copper-test-kits.257924/

OREGONIC said:
If could figure out at what rate copper levels dropped you could use a dosing pump to keep copper levels stable i would think.

idk about that. lol

Ento-Reefer · Dec 27, 2017

I am thinking 2 qt. Tanks would be the answer here. Start out in the bare bottom for any treatments that are being carried out and then transfer to a more natural permanent setup for further observation and conditioning. This is what I am leaning towards doing.

Instigate · Dec 28, 2017

Ento-Reefer said:
I am thinking 2 qt. Tanks would be the answer here. Start out in the bare bottom for any treatments that are being carried out and then transfer to a more natural permanent setup for further observation and conditioning. This is what I am leaning towards doing.

Definitely an improvement but I've already got the DT, the fish QT, as well as a frag/invert QT, and a 10 gallon HT on standby when needed. I'd hate to have to put together another setup and have a fourth tank that is always online. I only do copper and prazipro in the fish QT because of the bio-film that would break down antibiotics so I've got the HT setup dry but ready to go when needed.

I guess I'm really just after answers to two questions:
1. Would shells absorb copper? I'm thinking they will and I need to stick to plastic decor. Maybe a big sunken aircraft carrier or a castle.
2. Would copper kill macro algaes? This, I have no idea. But again I could get a bunch more of the plastic plants I already have.