Copper in QT, and start up bacteria?

inetmug · 05/28/2014, 09:20 PM

I imagine the copper does a number on any startup solution in a QT tank? However, I have seen several articles point to the use of it for an emergency ammonia spike. But this may have been for normal QT, not copper based.

Just wondering what is the consensus? I would like to be prepared in the event I am away and the wife or kids need to step in.

I do water changes every other day, no sand, and test copper every day, and other tests every other day. And I feed lightly.All test show zero bad stuff, except the copper. I have given them more than ample shelter. So given this, so far so good, no losses so far.

bnumair · 05/28/2014, 10:32 PM

seachem stability can be used with cupramine and it wont alter copper to toxic form. stability will also boost bacteria in the system.
water changes are definitely another solution to ammonia spikes but copper will need to be dosed/adjusted again and again with every water change.

inetmug · 05/29/2014, 05:23 AM

Another testament to using the medications from one supplier across the board. Thank you. Paraguard however, according to Seachem, is a no no with Cuprimine.

I went back to those articles, no mention of copper in a QT tank. I think they were really referring to QTs that are set up without copper.

05/28/2014, 09:20 PM	#1
inetmug Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 693	Copper in QT, and start up bacteria? I imagine the copper does a number on any startup solution in a QT tank? However, I have seen several articles point to the use of it for an emergency ammonia spike. But this may have been for normal QT, not copper based. Just wondering what is the consensus? I would like to be prepared in the event I am away and the wife or kids need to step in. I do water changes every other day, no sand, and test copper every day, and other tests every other day. And I feed lightly.All test show zero bad stuff, except the copper. I have given them more than ample shelter. So given this, so far so good, no losses so far.

05/28/2014, 10:32 PM	#2
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	seachem stability can be used with cupramine and it wont alter copper to toxic form. stability will also boost bacteria in the system. water changes are definitely another solution to ammonia spikes but copper will need to be dosed/adjusted again and again with every water change. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

05/29/2014, 05:23 AM	#3
inetmug Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 693	Another testament to using the medications from one supplier across the board. Thank you. Paraguard however, according to Seachem, is a no no with Cuprimine. I went back to those articles, no mention of copper in a QT tank. I think they were really referring to QTs that are set up without copper.