Opinions wanted....

[StPatrick89]

Just started copper in my main tank...(long story). Want to grab another fish or two. Was going to setup my QT, but as I think about it, what’s the point when my DT is already in quarantine. I’d have to start over with putting bacteria in the tank as well. Which leans to the idea of leaving your QT up and running. Water temp is up to 82. Does it make sense to still put the new fish In the DT or put them in the QT tank?

 

[fachatga]

I think copper seeps into rock and you can’t get it out. But Wait for somebody to confirm that

 

[JCM]

I think copper seeps into rock and you can’t get it out. But Wait for somebody to confirm that

This is correct. You're going to have a heck of a time getting that copper out of your rocks.

For a fish only system it's fine. Don't expect to keep corals or inverts in there though.

 

[Uncle99]

When you added copper to your DT everything except your fish (hopefully) is going to die so your going to have to start from scratch anyways, new rock, new sand, new cycle...etc.

So think that makes sense.

 

[StPatrick89]

When you added copper to your DT everything except your fish (hopefully) is going to die so your going to have to start from scratch anyways, new rock, new sand, new cycle...etc.

So think that makes sense.

Never planned on having a reef tank. I’m Fowlr.

 

[JCM]

Never planned on having a reef tank. I’m Fowlr.

Then you're good, just add the fish straight in. Copper shouldn't kill the bacteria.

 

[StPatrick89]

Then you're good, just add the fish straight in. Copper shouldn't kill the bacteria.

Okay, yea I’ve read certain coppers kill bacteria. Not all of them. Y’all had me nervous for a second!!! Lol

 

[StPatrick89]

Then you're good, just add the fish straight in. Copper shouldn't kill the bacteria.

Also, since my DT temp is at 82, I should let the new fish float for how long?

 

[JCM]

I always used Cupramine. Never had a problem with it killing bacteria.

 

[JCM]

Until the bag water reaches 82 degrees. That will depend on the water volume in the bag.
I normal give it 20 minutes and call it good but you can check with a thermometer if you want to be certain.

 

[StPatrick89]

I always used Cupramine. Never had a problem with it killing bacteria.

You still used copra-sorb?

 

[StPatrick89]

Until the bag water reaches 82 degrees. That will depend on the water volume in the bag.
I normal give it 20 minutes and call it good but you can check with a thermometer if you want to be certain.

What’s the safe way of testing that without opening the bag and exposing the water in the bag to oxygen which makes the ammonia dangerous?

 

[JCM]

You still used copra-sorb?

No, I always used it in a qt tank. I'd just dump the water after treatment and throw away the media. I'd leave a new bag of media in my sump to throw in the qt when I needed it.

 

[JCM]

What’s the safe way of testing that without opening the bag and exposing the water in the bag to oxygen which makes the ammonia dangerous?

Good question, I'm not sure. Infrared thermometer maybe? I always give it 20 minutes and just call it close enough.

 

[StPatrick89]

No, I always used it in a qt tank. I'd just dump the water after treatment and throw away the media. I'd leave a new bag of media in my sump to throw in the qt when I needed it.

Oh ok, I’m not on sump level yet. I still have a HOB. How much media has to have good bacteria to substantially run a 10g QT? For example bag of bio rings and sponge filter? Some pads from the HOB?

 

[JCM]

Oh ok, I’m not on sump level yet. I still have a HOB. How much media has to have good bacteria to substantially run a 10g QT? For example bag of bio rings and sponge filter? Some pads from the HOB?

Exactly. I had a 20 gallon qt previously. A bag of media in a small hang on filter was enough. I'd leave the bag in my sump for a few weeks before putting it in the qt filter. Always worked well enough for me, never had ammonia show up in the qt even with copper dosing so I'm assuming the cupramine didn't kill the bacteria. Qt was empty except for the filter and some pvc for hiding.

 

[neonreef3d]

I would still not use copper with any rock, if you decide to have a CUC or any inverts in the future with your fish, it is not a good idea.

 

[StPatrick89]

I would still not use copper with any rock, if you decide to have a CUC or any inverts in the future with your fish, it is not a good idea.

Understood.