Testing empty tank for copper

rich527 · 02/20/2017, 11:10 AM

Is there a way to test for copper? Thx rich

gone fishin · 02/20/2017, 12:16 PM

since the tank is empty I do not know of a way. If it had some water in it I would suggest poly filter, I believe it turns blue in the presence of copper.

mcgyvr · 02/20/2017, 12:20 PM

Yep.. Its best to pass on the tank if you are unsure if copper was used..

ca1ore · 02/20/2017, 01:58 PM

Bah, it's a perpetuated myth. I've used tanks that had been used for copper treatments many times to house inverts. Never a problem. I mean, where do people think the copper is lurking? Glass won't absorb it, neither will silicone. Even if the latter did, it's going to be such a tiny amount as to be negligible.

You certainly don't want to be using rocks that had been in copper, but the tank is fine.

mcgyvr · 02/20/2017, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Bah, it's a perpetuated myth. I've used tanks that had been used for copper treatments many times to house inverts. Never a problem. I mean, where do people think the copper is lurking? Glass won't absorb it, neither will silicone. Even if the latter did, it's going to be such a tiny amount as to be negligible.

You certainly don't want to be using rocks that had been in copper, but the tank is fine.

I wasn't sure if it would get into the silicone.. Its certainly not impervious to elements.. But you are probably correct..

billdogg · 02/20/2017, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Bah, it's a perpetuated myth. I've used tanks that had been used for copper treatments many times to house inverts. Never a problem. I mean, where do people think the copper is lurking? Glass won't absorb it, neither will silicone. Even if the latter did, it's going to be such a tiny amount as to be negligible.

You certainly don't want to be using rocks that had been in copper, but the tank is fine.

What he said.

And FWIW - my 60 cube had just one large piece of carved pumice in it that had to be siliconed to the bottom and so could not be removed. I couldn't tell you how many times I used copper in it way back in the day. That tank later became my first to house anemones, soft and hard corals, and numerous inverts, all without issue. WIll the rock absorb some copper? Sure, but it will also leech out with time. Polyfilter will help.

If the tank is currently empty, rinse it and use it. It'll be fine.

nereefpat · 02/21/2017, 08:27 AM

Why don't you fill it with water, then test for Cu?

rich527 · 02/22/2017, 09:26 AM

Thank you for the help

02/20/2017, 11:10 AM	#1
rich527 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 13	Testing empty tank for copper Is there a way to test for copper? Thx rich

02/20/2017, 12:16 PM	#2
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	since the tank is empty I do not know of a way. If it had some water in it I would suggest poly filter, I believe it turns blue in the presence of copper. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

02/20/2017, 12:20 PM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Yep.. Its best to pass on the tank if you are unsure if copper was used.. __________________ Who me?

02/20/2017, 01:58 PM	#4
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Bah, it's a perpetuated myth. I've used tanks that had been used for copper treatments many times to house inverts. Never a problem. I mean, where do people think the copper is lurking? Glass won't absorb it, neither will silicone. Even if the latter did, it's going to be such a tiny amount as to be negligible. You certainly don't want to be using rocks that had been in copper, but the tank is fine. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

02/21/2017, 08:27 AM	#7
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Why don't you fill it with water, then test for Cu? __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

02/22/2017, 09:26 AM	#8
rich527 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 13	Thank you for the help