Effect of Copper on Reef
 

hey everyone,

Quick question, what are the symptoms of a reef with copper in it?

Anything that can show a lead up to the big bang of everything dieing?

Copper is definitely not good in a reef, how much do you think is in it?

invertabrae will start dieing... snails, coral ect.. but other things can cause this also.

Steve

why do you think there's copper in your tank? Usually copper is only present if you add it yourself.

Sailfert makes a copper test kit.
I'm not sure if it can pick up trace amount's but it might solve your problem for ya.

I think you can get copper in your tank if you use Tapwater. Some houses use copper pipes which then transfer into the water.

I think it's even worse if you use hot water and your house has copper pipes.

I can tell you first hand that copper will wipe your system dead. It will kill your inverts as stated above, your rock, and eventually your fish. (even though a copper dip is used to eliminated some fish disease). luckily for me it stoped at the fish, but I lost almost everything else. Get some cuprisorb if you think you might have some and get it in your sump.

I am not sure I have copper in my system, but I have been experiencing some loss as of late for no apparent reason. All SPS closed up, no polyps out at all. One frag lost all its colour and became light tan. Just weird things.

Just wondering what copper in small amounts might look like.

Copper is an essential trace element in all living things, sea water contains copper, as do all marine salt mixes on the market. (in the ppb range)
Heavy metals can be a concern in a home with brand new copper pipes that have been soldered with a lead-based solder, but that form of solder has not been in use for a number of years since having been replaced with a high-tin solder. If you have an older home, with a high pH out of the tap, the scale build up on the insides of your pipes will remove any concerns about copper leaching from your pipes.

Are you using RO/DI for your water changes? You can get some cheap RO/DI water in surrey by 62 Ave & 136 st for a couple bucks per 5 gallons. Take your water over to Pauls Aquarium behind costco in surrey. They can test it for you.

Doug

I use RO/DI... like I said, just curious as to early affects.. The tank does seem to be recovering right now. from what I have no clue.

are you using tapwater? because otherwise how would it be introduced?