Hand off tanks and copper

mndfreeze · 06/08/2010, 07:39 AM

Hey all,

I have a 14G cube frankenstiened out of parts by my bro for my first tank. Its up and running fine with nice little frags, etc...

My kids have now been given the gift of a 20 tall by him. It had nothing with it but via trade and friends I managed to get a bottom/middle pulling overflow box with filter card slots. I dont plan to use the filter pads at all.

My question is, it ALL came from freshwater tanks. It's not possible to ask each person each part and pump and what not came from if they ever used copper or other possible damaging medications. The tank is going to start FOWLR but will get easy frags like zooa's and softies over time.

I'm going to wash the tank really well, is there a soap or cleaner thats safe and easy to not have to worry about rinsing every droplet out, and as for the filters and pumps, how do I clean those and know I'm safe? So many tiny spots and holes in it I cant wipe every single surface. Shoulod I just use tap water on that and how risky is it if they DID use copper/meds.

Thanks all!

chris3_16 · 06/08/2010, 08:02 AM

wouldn't let everything sit in vinegar for a couple of days plus a toothbrush take care of any of that. Thats what I did with all my equipment. You can even run the pumps and filters in the vinegar and you will see all the crap that comes out.

Then to rinse the vinegar out just do the same with clean fresh water

mndfreeze · 06/08/2010, 08:41 AM

Like, 100% vinegar? Its a big hang on back pump/filter.. Id have to have a TON of vinegar to put ina bucket or soemthing to have enough to run it...

Think, just a small amount of vinegar is enough? Does vinegar even take care of copper?

khaosinc · 06/08/2010, 09:30 AM

I think the fear of copper in used tanks is overrated really.

When I had my 225 fail last year I simply grabbed every tank I had kicking around. The 55 that held my corals was a former school science tank, and I know (my stepdad was the teacher) that the freshwater tank was treated about 3 times a year.

no issues for the couple months they were in it.

muttley000 · 06/08/2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaosinc

I think the fear of copper in used tanks is overrated really.

When I had my 225 fail last year I simply grabbed every tank I had kicking around. The 55 that held my corals was a former school science tank, and I know (my stepdad was the teacher) that the freshwater tank was treated about 3 times a year.

no issues for the couple months they were in it.

+1 on this after you get things cleaned to your satisfaction run some polyfilter, it will turn blue if copper is still present. I personally don't buy the tank is ruined forever thing.

mule31 · 06/09/2010, 06:42 AM

My 45 gallon tank was formerly a FOWLR where I know I treated with copper. I just added rock and used it for a reef for a year and a half before upgrading with no problem. I don't think the copper stays in the tanks as long as people say it does. When I changes sand and rock I think that took care of the copper.

chris3_16 · 06/09/2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mndfreeze

Like, 100% vinegar? Its a big hang on back pump/filter.. Id have to have a TON of vinegar to put ina bucket or soemthing to have enough to run it...

Think, just a small amount of vinegar is enough? Does vinegar even take care of copper?

I use the mixed white vinegar you buy at any grocery store. how ever i know lots of people who use cleaning vinegar which i think is 100% pure and it works faster than the diluted.

As far as I know vinegar will take care of copper.

Also make sure to run the equipment and give it a good rinse because vinegar will lower your ph drastically

06/08/2010, 07:39 AM	#1
mndfreeze Invert Sexy Time! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,255	Hand off tanks and copper Hey all, I have a 14G cube frankenstiened out of parts by my bro for my first tank. Its up and running fine with nice little frags, etc... My kids have now been given the gift of a 20 tall by him. It had nothing with it but via trade and friends I managed to get a bottom/middle pulling overflow box with filter card slots. I dont plan to use the filter pads at all. My question is, it ALL came from freshwater tanks. It's not possible to ask each person each part and pump and what not came from if they ever used copper or other possible damaging medications. The tank is going to start FOWLR but will get easy frags like zooa's and softies over time. I'm going to wash the tank really well, is there a soap or cleaner thats safe and easy to not have to worry about rinsing every droplet out, and as for the filters and pumps, how do I clean those and know I'm safe? So many tiny spots and holes in it I cant wipe every single surface. Shoulod I just use tap water on that and how risky is it if they DID use copper/meds. Thanks all!

06/08/2010, 09:30 AM	#4
khaosinc The cyborg reefer Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NW Washington state Posts: 2,345	I think the fear of copper in used tanks is overrated really. When I had my 225 fail last year I simply grabbed every tank I had kicking around. The 55 that held my corals was a former school science tank, and I know (my stepdad was the teacher) that the freshwater tank was treated about 3 times a year. no issues for the couple months they were in it. __________________ Disclaimer: I have not yet figured out how to install a breathalizer on my computer. Current Tank Info: It's all torn down... someday I might rebuild.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Copper question/Is my tank in trouble?	snorkeler	New to the Hobby	5	03/04/2010 05:30 PM
Penny in tank. 98% copper. What now?	oblivious	The Reef Chemistry Forum	13	02/22/2010 02:12 PM
Canister on QT Tank with Copper - can reuse on a reef tank?	SoulFish	New to the Hobby	3	08/20/2008 12:48 AM
Best method for safe hands in tank?	supertech3	New to the Hobby	7	02/07/2006 01:06 AM
Hands in tank	cato	New to the Hobby	16	01/29/2006 02:22 PM

06/08/2010, 08:02 AM	#2
chris3_16 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 102	wouldn't let everything sit in vinegar for a couple of days plus a toothbrush take care of any of that. Thats what I did with all my equipment. You can even run the pumps and filters in the vinegar and you will see all the crap that comes out. Then to rinse the vinegar out just do the same with clean fresh water

06/08/2010, 08:41 AM	#3
mndfreeze Invert Sexy Time! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,255	Like, 100% vinegar? Its a big hang on back pump/filter.. Id have to have a TON of vinegar to put ina bucket or soemthing to have enough to run it... Think, just a small amount of vinegar is enough? Does vinegar even take care of copper?

06/09/2010, 06:42 AM	#6
mule31 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 136	My 45 gallon tank was formerly a FOWLR where I know I treated with copper. I just added rock and used it for a reef for a year and a half before upgrading with no problem. I don't think the copper stays in the tanks as long as people say it does. When I changes sand and rock I think that took care of the copper.