Nitrates in QT

[Pakman2]

What levels of nitrates should I be seeing in my QT using coppersafe? I’m using the API kit and was wondering if it’s reading accurately with copper in the system.

 

[HotRocks]

What levels of nitrates should I be seeing in my QT using coppersafe? I’m using the API kit and was wondering if it’s reading accurately with copper in the system.

What kind of reading are you getting?

I'd be surprised if it would read accurately. Generally nitrates aren't a concern in QT. As long as you are processing ammonia you should be fine.

 

[Pakman2]

The seachem ammonia alert badge is showing safe or less than .02ppm. The API nitrate readings are showing 20ppm. I even went and processed the nitrite API test and that is showing a reading of .5ppm.

 

[Pakman2]

The QT was properly cycled before any fish were introduced into the tank. I also took some sponges from the DT and placed them into the QT canister. I also add seed bacteria when I do a water change. I guess my concern is that the fish are showing signs of rapid breathing and it’s concerning me.

 

[HotRocks]

20ppm nitrates are not a concern at all for fish.

Any symptoms other than rapid breathing?

Using coppersafe, what test kit and what is your copper level?

There is something else causing this.

 

[Big G]

The API test kit is notoriously bad for measuring copper. Plus Coppersafe has had problems with varying strength levels from bottle/batch to bottle/batch. In many cases we've seen pretty severe overdosing of copper.

 

[HotRocks]

The API test kit is notoriously bad for measuring copper. Plus Coppersafe has had problems with varying strength levels from bottle/batch to bottle/batch. In many cases we've seen pretty severe overdosing of copper.

This ^^^ is where I was headed.

 

[Pakman2]

20ppm nitrates are not a concern at all for fish.

Any symptoms other than rapid breathing?

Using coppersafe, what test kit and what is your copper level?

There is something else causing this.

I’m using the seachem ammonia alert badge that hangs inside of the tank. The LFS employee told me that the badge works best when using coppersafe.

 

[Pakman2]

The API test kit is notoriously bad for measuring copper. Plus Coppersafe has had problems with varying strength levels from bottle/batch to bottle/batch. In many cases we've seen pretty severe overdosing of copper.

The first thing I did was test the copper and it shows 2.0 or slightly less.

 

[HotRocks]

I’m using the seachem ammonia alert badge that hangs inside of the tank. The LFS employee told me that the badge works best when using coppersafe.

I get that and that is correct.

I was asking what your Copper level was and what copper test kit?

 

[HotRocks]

The first thing I did was test the copper and it shows 2.0 or slightly less.

Ok so did you dose copper per instructions? On the bottle?

 

[Pakman2]

I get that. And that is correct.

I was asking what your Copper level was and what copper test kit?

I’m sorry. I misunderstood. I am using the API copper test kit.

 

[Pakman2]

Ok so did you dose copper per instructions? On the bottle?

Yes. I dosed per the instructions. The fish have been in the QT for two weeks now with zero issues. The only issue I’ve come across is the naso tang stopped eating after being in the QT for a week.

 

[Big G]

The first thing I did was test the copper and it shows 2.0 or slightly less.

Yeah, that's what I thought the last time I used an API copper test kit. Then I got a Hanna Checker HL Copper. Turns out I was almost to 3.0 and one of my fish was swimming funny and not eating. Lowered the copper level using the Hanna and all is good.

 

[Pakman2]

Yeah, that's what I thought the last time I used an API copper test kit. Then I got a Hanna Checker HL Copper. Turns out I was almost to 3.0 and one of my fish was swimming funny and not eating. Lowered the copper level using the Hanna and all is good.

So the LFS is currently closed. Should I do a water change and not dose any additional copper until I run out and purchase the Hannah Copper test kit? Will that require me to restart the QT process?

 

[HotRocks]

Yes. I dosed per the instructions. The fish have been in the QT for two weeks now with zero issues. The only issue I’ve come across is the naso tang stopped eating after being in the QT for a week.

I would do a 20% WC and not add back copper to the 20% new water. I have bottles of coppersafe that range from 2.6ppm-3.0ppm if dosed as instructed. Nothing lower than 2.6ppm.

This should get you closer to the 2.0ppm mark. See if the rapid breathing stops and the Naso eats again. Another option if you have a second sterile QT would be to transfer them out of the copper completely if they have been in therapuetic copper for 10-14 days.

 

[HotRocks]

So the LFS is currently closed. Should I do a water change and not dose any additional copper until I run out and purchase the Hannah Copper test kit? Will that require me to restart the QT process?

Well put it this way. I'd rather drop the copper level too low and have to restart rather then keep them in overdosed copper.

Check this out. I had very similar experiences with coppersafe. Along with others here at R2R.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...ments-high-range-copper-checker-hi702.389436/

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...instruments-high-range-copper-checker.368943/

 

[Pakman2]

Th

I would do a 20% WC and not add back copper to the 20% new water. I have bottles of coppersafe that range from 2.6ppm-3.0ppm if dosed as instructed. Nothing lower than 2.6ppm.

This should get you closer to the 2.0ppm mark. See if the rapid breathing stops and the Naso eats again. Another option if you have a second sterile QT would be to transfer them out of the copper completely if they have been in therapuetic copper for 10-14 days.

Thanks for the advice. I’m going to do that right away. I’ll keep you posted!

 

[Pakman2]

Well put it this way. I'd rather drop the copper level too low and have to restart rather then keep them in overdosed copper.

Check this out. I had very similar experiences with coppersafe. Along with others here at R2R.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...ments-high-range-copper-checker-hi702.389436/

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...instruments-high-range-copper-checker.368943/

Is there a specific brand of copper that people would recommend?

 

[HotRocks]

Is there a specific brand of copper that people would recommend?

I have switched to copper power. Using the Hanna checker and dosing per manufacturer instructions it yields exact results.

I think coppersafe is just fine to use as long as you have the Hanna checker.

For me. I have a few QTs going at the same time. It's easier to know exactly what to dose each tank with and get the expected result. Rather than having to reinvent the wheel Everytime I open a new bottle.