LFS suggested copper in main tank for FOWLR

2gen454 · 04/21/2008, 05:26 PM

What kind of complications would I see using copper in a FOWLR set up in my main tank? He suggested this saying that it will help keep the fish healthier, and easier to maintain in the long run.

Bruno3047 · 04/21/2008, 05:35 PM

The death of all or nearly all of your invertebrates. A signigicant decrease in the growth of any coraline algae you might have. An increase in filamentious and slime algae due to the increase in dead protienaceous matter in the matter. And last but not least, a material decrease in the population of nitrifying bacteria in your system.

Not a good idea.

Freed · 04/21/2008, 05:40 PM

You'll never be able to put corals or inverts in the tank in the future.

Davidl919 · 04/21/2008, 05:48 PM

Copper should only be used in a qt tank and in minimal amounts if used at all. Copper is used by a mass number of wholesalers and lfs for them to cut on losses.

ahullsb · 04/21/2008, 07:13 PM

I agree that you should not run it in your main tank.

Chibils · 04/21/2008, 07:38 PM

It will kill invertebrates. Your live rock will die, as will any pods and snails/hermits/etc., algae will bloom from the decaying matter, basically exactly as Bruno3047 described.

Tswifty · 04/21/2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2gen454
What kind of complications would I see using copper in a FOWLR set up in my main tank?

bad bad things... nothing good

2gen454 · 04/22/2008, 08:16 AM

Sounds like I'm going to go against that idea!

I figured it would have an effect on possible future invertebrates, but didn't know that it would hurt the live rock as well. Thanks!

afish70 · 04/22/2008, 10:40 AM

What store told you to do that? just to make sure i don't end up there.

sage_commander · 04/22/2008, 10:44 AM

The death of all or nearly all of your invertebrates. A signigicant decrease in the growth of any coraline algae you might have. An increase in filamentious and slime algae due to the increase in dead protienaceous matter in the matter. And last but not least, a material decrease in the population of nitrifying bacteria in your system.

I see. Any negative side effects?

04/21/2008, 05:26 PM	#1
2gen454 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Channahon, IL Posts: 23	LFS suggested copper in main tank for FOWLR What kind of complications would I see using copper in a FOWLR set up in my main tank? He suggested this saying that it will help keep the fish healthier, and easier to maintain in the long run. __________________ Mike Just a newbie looking for info. Current Tank Info: forming one now

04/21/2008, 05:40 PM	#3
Freed It's what it's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: 41° 2' 45" N 85° 8' 43" W Posts: 7,579	You'll never be able to put corals or inverts in the tank in the future. __________________ Freed Current Tank Info: 180gal(1120 watts of MH/VHO light), 60gal "sump", Deltec 601 calcium reactor, Euro Reef CS8-3+ skimmer, 20 gallon QT

04/21/2008, 05:48 PM	#4
Davidl919 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 60	Copper should only be used in a qt tank and in minimal amounts if used at all. Copper is used by a mass number of wholesalers and lfs for them to cut on losses. __________________ He who posts less, reads more. Current Tank Info: 140 gl, 6"dsb, 50gl sump, 2 Mp40w, Neptune Apex, Blackfin 1800, 8 t5, 2 250w Mh, 1/3 chiller.

04/21/2008, 07:13 PM	#5
ahullsb Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: sacramento, ca Posts: 2,729	I agree that you should not run it in your main tank. __________________ Andy Sacramento, CA Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef w/20 gallon sump/ER135/ 75 pounds of live rock, 4 in sandbed, 2 b&w ocellaris clowns, yellow watchman/pistol, rosy scaled wrasse, Mystery wrasse, Copperbanded Butterfly, Lighting 48" outer orbit 2 150 mh/ 4 t5 actinics

04/21/2008, 07:38 PM	#6
Chibils halide loyalist Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sugar Hill, GA Posts: 2,213	It will kill invertebrates. Your live rock will die, as will any pods and snails/hermits/etc., algae will bloom from the decaying matter, basically exactly as Bruno3047 described. __________________ always learning Current Tank Info: 75G new world cichlid, 25G reef in planning

04/21/2008, 05:35 PM	#2
Bruno3047 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,018	The death of all or nearly all of your invertebrates. A signigicant decrease in the growth of any coraline algae you might have. An increase in filamentious and slime algae due to the increase in dead protienaceous matter in the matter. And last but not least, a material decrease in the population of nitrifying bacteria in your system. Not a good idea.

04/22/2008, 08:16 AM	#8
2gen454 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Channahon, IL Posts: 23	Sounds like I'm going to go against that idea! I figured it would have an effect on possible future invertebrates, but didn't know that it would hurt the live rock as well. Thanks! __________________ Mike Just a newbie looking for info. Current Tank Info: forming one now

04/22/2008, 10:40 AM	#9
afish70 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tampa Posts: 688	What store told you to do that? just to make sure i don't end up there.

04/22/2008, 10:44 AM	#10
sage_commander Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Poulsbo WA Posts: 646	The death of all or nearly all of your invertebrates. A signigicant decrease in the growth of any coraline algae you might have. An increase in filamentious and slime algae due to the increase in dead protienaceous matter in the matter. And last but not least, a material decrease in the population of nitrifying bacteria in your system. I see. Any negative side effects?