coppersafe?????

tmkx3 · 05-10-2006, 01:13 PM

I started treating with coppersafe last night for ick. I tested the wter for my copper levels afterwards.They are in a 55g qt. I added 13 teaspoons because the tank isn't all the way full. Mt test is a little hard to read. The kit jumps from 2.0 to 4.0 and I know that the # needs to be about 2.5. The test has the tube that you add 10 drops of the solution into the tube of tank water. Do I read the test from looking from the side of the tube or from the top looking into the tube. I know that this has to be done correctly to work and not harm my fish. What are some signs that the fish are stressed?

serotonin · 05-10-2006, 02:40 PM

Not sure about your type of copper that you're using, but I dose it 1/2 of what the directions say. Then wait 24 hours and test the water. From there you can tell what you added to get to that reading. From that point it should be clear how much more you need to add to get to just the right amount.

I believe it takes at least 12 hours for the copper level out in the tank which may explain your situation though I am far from certain on this.

coral reefer · 05-10-2006, 04:49 PM

Just be careful whenever you dose with medication even though it says reef safe as they can be lethal. Especially with inverts and corals, I highly recommend other alternatives than chemicals(i don't trust them). Are the infected fish in a quarantine tank?
Fish will show signs of stress by swimming lethargically, rapid breathing, resting on the bottom, going off feed for a substantial period of time. Usually if a fish doesn't eat daily or within two days you may have a problem. All of my fish eat once or twice a day, never missing a feeding.

tmkx3 · 05-11-2006, 02:10 PM

Thanks for your help.The fish are in a 55g qt. This kit is done from the top of the tube and is for both chelated and free copper. My readings are about 1.5. The color is just slightly lighter than the color chart for 2.0. The fish are all eating. I am feeding them formula one and two soaked in garlic. The temp is 80 and all my other readings are 0 except for my nitrates,which are 40. I used 30g of water from my main. I guess that is why my reading is high. I am preparing to do a water change. I will add back the copper accordingly. How large of a water change do I need to do to effect the nitrate #? I am thinking 20%.

random_ryan · 05-11-2006, 03:06 PM

coppper safe can be harsh ... and some times isn't the solution maybe you could give us the symtems your fish are having?

coral reefer · 05-11-2006, 05:04 PM

I would perform small water changes. A 10% water change done weekly as apposed to a big one done every two to four weeks. There is less chance for error doing it this way as not too much water is being changed at once.

tmkx3 · 05-12-2006, 05:30 AM

The fish have the notorious white spots and are flashing. The tangand one of my percula's are the only ones with visiable spots.

serotonin · 05-12-2006, 08:31 AM

I agree with doing a few 10% water changes. Also, is your QT cycled? Do you have any rocks or sand in it?

tmkx3 · 05-15-2006, 06:29 AM

I had an hob/w bio wheel on the main so I haven't had any ammonia issues.