Shot in the dark here

[Brad_95]

So I’m not sure if this is the right place for this, but I hope someone has better eyes than mine. I can’t tell if this is close to 2.0ppm. I’m testing coppersafe with api copper test kit.

 

[Brad_95]

Sorry! Forgot to attach pictures.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I use the API test kit and Coppersafe quite a bit, but I cheat and use a Hach spectrophotometer to read the results (grin). Still - that color seems pretty dark for a standard dose of Coppersafe, could you have added to much, or perhaps it hadn't mixed in well when you grabbed the sample? I'd call that a "3". Still, Coppersafe has a fairly wide range as copper meds go, so unless the fish are showing signs of copper toxicity, I'd just let it ride.

When you calculated the dose, to you try to figure your net gallon capacity, not just the tanks' gross rated value?

Jay

 

[rwreef]

I always find it easier to read these outside in sunlight.

 

[Brad_95]

I use the API test kit and Coppersafe quite a bit, but I cheat and use a Hach spectrophotometer to read the results (grin). Still - that color seems pretty dark for a standard dose of Coppersafe, could you have added to much, or perhaps it hadn't mixed in well when you grabbed the sample? I'd call that a "3". Still, Coppersafe has a fairly wide range as copper meds go, so unless the fish are showing signs of copper toxicity, I'd just let it ride.

When you calculated the dose, to you try to figure your net gallon capacity, not just the tanks' gross rated value?

Jay

Good thought, and I’m jealous about the spectrophotometer! And for the calculations, I assumed it to be 19 gallons total instead of 20. I went with the 2.1mL/gallon for a rough 2.0ppm measurement. I brought my measurement to 35.33mL.

 

[Brad_95]

I always find it easier to read these outside in sunlight.

I’ll have to give that a try.

 

[Brad_95]

I use the API test kit and Coppersafe quite a bit, but I cheat and use a Hach spectrophotometer to read the results (grin). Still - that color seems pretty dark for a standard dose of Coppersafe, could you have added to much, or perhaps it hadn't mixed in well when you grabbed the sample? I'd call that a "3". Still, Coppersafe has a fairly wide range as copper meds go, so unless the fish are showing signs of copper toxicity, I'd just let it ride.

When you calculated the dose, to you try to figure your net gallon capacity, not just the tanks' gross rated value?

Jay

Also, what is the limit regarding the limits for coppersafe toxicity? And what’s the best way to know a fish has copper poisoning? My wrasse has a case of velvet with all of my other fish and He’s been hiding in his bowl of sand all day. He was fine and swimming around yesterday in it at therapeutic level

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Also, what is the limit regarding the limits for coppersafe toxicity? And what’s the best way to know a fish has copper poisoning? My wrasse has a case of velvet with all of my other fish and He’s been hiding in his bowl of sand all day. He was fine and swimming around yesterday in it at therapeutic level

Just guessing, but coppersafe is safe with 25% overdose long term. Ionic copper is much less forgiving, 0.20 target dose, and toxicity showing at 0.22 ppm.
Copper toxicity is a great mimic of the diseases it treats: cloudy skin, lack of appetite, rapid breathing and lethargy.
Jay

 

[Brad_95]

Just guessing, but coppersafe is safe with 25% overdose long term. Ionic copper is much less forgiving, 0.20 target dose, and toxicity showing at 0.22 ppm.
Copper toxicity is a great mimic of the diseases it treats: cloudy skin, lack of appetite, rapid breathing and lethargy.
Jay

Thanks, I might try to find someone that has a Hanna checker and see if I can get a concrete result. As far as lowering the dose, is it as simple as taking some of the water out and replacing with untreated saltwater?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks, I might try to find someone that has a Hanna checker and see if I can get a concrete result. As far as lowering the dose, is it as simple as taking some of the water out and replacing with untreated saltwater?

Yes, for coppersafe and other complexed coppers, water changes work best for removal .

Jay

 

[Brad_95]

Yes, for coppersafe and other complexed coppers, water changes work best for removal .

Jay

Thanks again for all of the help. I’ll let you know if anything changes.