Treatment FAQ

what salinity is recommended with copper treatment in saltwater

by Dr. Waylon Effertz PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

We use Cupramine® copper treatment and maintain a concentration of . 30 ppm for at least three weeks. Some stubborn Cryptocaryon infections require increasing the level to . 35 ppm.Mar 11, 2022

How long does it take for copper to raise salinity?

Raising the salinity after 1 week in hyposalinity and copper should be done over the course of at least 6 days, but preferably 7 to 8. Increasing the salt content too quickly can be harmful to saltwater fish, especially after a prolonged Ich treatment.

What is the therapeutic range for copper sulfate in fish tank?

The therapeutic range for chelated copper levels is between 1.5 and 2 ppm where the therapeutic window for copper sulfate is only 0.4 to 0.5 ppm. When using copper sulfate, water evaporation or careless dosing can quickly send the treated fish tank within toxic ranges.

How much copper do you put in an aquarium?

Copper at a dosage rate of 0.15–0.20 mg/L Cu 2+ is effective for control of important fish parasites, including Amyloodinium and Cryptocaryon, many species of algae, unwanted invertebrates, and fish parasites. Copper sulfate (copper sulfate pentahydrate) is the most commonly used form of copper in marine aquarium and marine aquaculture systems.

Does Copper kill saltwater ich?

During its Theront phase, saltwater Ich is very sensitive to copper. Though copper-based medications are among the best in killing the Ich parasite, they can also be detrimental to marine invertebrates. For this reason, the copper treatment should be carried out in a separate hospital fish tank.

image

What should the copper level be in a saltwater tank?

Copper sulfate pentahydrate (bluestone copper) is composed of 25.5% of the active ingredient (Cu2+) used to treat marine systems. When dosing a system, therapeutic levels (0.15–0.20 mg/L) should be reached gradually over 2–3 days to allow fish to acclimate. Copper levels should be measured at least twice a day.

How do you treat copper fish in saltwater?

1:328:37Copper Medication, How to treat Saltwater Fish for Ich and Marine ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo copper kills parasites the dose for Cooper mean is 16 drops per ten and a half gallons. Wait 48MoreSo copper kills parasites the dose for Cooper mean is 16 drops per ten and a half gallons. Wait 48 hours and then 16 drops per 10 and a half gallons.

What should my salinity be in my saltwater tank?

As low as 1.023 and as high as 1.028 are generally considered safe for corals, however, most hobbyists keep their salinity in the range of 1.024 – 1.026 (32 – 35 ppt). Generally only used for aquariums with saltwater fish as the salinity is too low for the vast majority of corals.

What saltwater fish are sensitive to copper?

In my Advanced Marine Aquarium techniques book, I list: sharks, rays seahorses, mandarin dragonets and jawfish as being very sensitive to copper.

How long does it take for Cupramine to work?

Some times a fish will clear up in 2 or 3 days. It is possible that a fish will still show signs 7 to 10 days later. But yes, the fish should be getting relief from new attacks even if it is still showing outward signs. The new attacks should be blocked by copper.

Does a protein skimmer remove copper?

Protein skimming can remove all the amine bound copper from the water.

Is 1.027 salinity too high?

Recommended salinity levels for a reef tank are 1.024 – 1.025 (32 – 33 ppt) and if you are slightly below or above that level (1.022 – 1.027), your tank will be just fine. Of course if your levels are out of the 1.024 – 1.025 range, I do recommend you bring them back in check.

Is 1.029 salinity too high?

Well-Known Member. I would wait. 1.022 to 1.029 is a huge difference, no harm in putting off a day or two til you can get more ro. Also it will not drop while mixing, in fact if any evaporation occurs it would raise the salinity.

Is 1.030 salinity too high?

1.026 is natural sea water, so in theory 1.030 is a bit too high...... however, as said, for your water change, dilute it down to 1.024. if you want to build yours up a bit to 1.026, you should do it slowly.... the other thing to take into account is how you're measuring it.

How long does copper last in fish tank?

If it was mainly absorbed by the substrate and rocks then there is always the possibility that it could leach out. However after three years of steady water changes I would think that any leaching out would have already occurred and youy should be safe.

How long does it take for copper power to start working?

30 days is all that is needed.

How much Cupramine do I need?

Treatment. If the bottle has a dropper cap, use 20 drops (1 mL) per 40 L (10.5 US gallons) the first day, wait 48 hours, then repeat. On non-dropper caps, each inner ring is 1 mL. In freshwater use half dose.

How much copper sulfate should I use for fish?

When dosing a system, therapeutic levels (0.15–0.20 mg/L) should be reached gradually over 2–3 days to allow fish to acclimate. Copper levels should be measured at least twice a day.

Why do aquaculture facilities use copper sulfate?

In general, larger aquaculture facilities and public aquaria prefer to use copper sulfate rather than chelated copper complexes, because strength and activity of chelated copper complexes are more uncertain, and chelated copper compounds are also more difficult to remove.

What are the compounds that help keep copper in solution?

Chelating agents are compounds added to copper sulfate in water. These agents help keep copper in solution by forming a ring-structured complex with copper. These complexes vary in their stability, depending upon the agent used. EDTA, one such agent, is very stable in solution. Citrate is also used, but citrate-copper complexes are less stable. However, citrate-copper complexes have more biological activity than EDTA-copper complexes, and are also easier to remove after treatment (Cardeilhac and Whitaker 1988).

What is the form of copper sulfate?

This is the form that is found in "bluestone" copper sulfate (more properly known as "copper sulfate pentahydrate" because it is attached to 5 water molecules). When copper sulfate is dissolved into water, copper sulfate splits into separate copper (Cu 2+) and sulfate (SO 42-) ions (and water). Because this "Cu 2+ " is the "active ingredient" ...

Why is copper used in aquariums?

Copper has been used effectively for many years to control algae and fish parasites in freshwater and marine systems. Because copper does not discolor the water, it is a preferred treatment for use in display aquaria. Water chemistry and other environmental factors will determine how much copper will be biologically available ...

How often should copper levels be measured?

Copper levels should be measured at least twice a day. Activated carbon and water changes can be used to remove copper, once treatment is completed, but ideally, levels should be checked regularly for several weeks afterward, in case of copper leaching.

What organisms take up copper?

Copper can also be taken up by living organisms, including bacteria, algae, and brine shrimp, and it can bind to substrates in the system (including activated carbon) (Cardeilhac and Whitaker 1988). Still other factors can cause the copper concentration to rise too high.

Why is salinity important in saltwater?

While you must maintain proper water quality and chemistry in a freshwater tank as well, the added challenge of maintaining a stable salinity in a saltwater tank is more than some aquarium hobbyists feel fit to handle.

What is salinity in aquarium?

Salinity, in plain terms, is the concentration of salt in aquarium water. More specifically, salinity is a measure of the dissolved sodium ions in the water and it can be measured in parts per thousand (ppt). Most saltwater aquarists measure the salinity in their aquarium using a hydrometer which measures the specific gravity in the tank.

How to keep salinity level constant in aquarium?

By taking frequent specific gravity measurements you can keep the salinity level in your tank as close to constant as possible. It is also a good idea to keep a constant supply of premixed saltwater on hand so you can refill your tank as necessary to accommodate for evaporation. Some saltwater aquarium hobbyists install a sump system ...

How to maintain a healthy saltwater aquarium?

The key to maintaining a healthy saltwater aquarium is to strike the right balance in the salinity of your tank water. It is a common belief among aquarists that freshwater tanks are easier to maintain than saltwater tanks. One of the main reasons cited for this belief is the fact that, in a saltwater aquarium, salinity must remain constant.

What is the specific gravity of a saltwater aquarium?

Thus, once you set up your aquarium and take a salinity reading, if you find that the specific gravity level is 1.023 you should try to maintain that level as closely as possible. There are several things which can contribute to saltwater aquarium salinity fluctuations, but the main factor is evaporation - as water evaporates from the tank, ...

What causes stress in saltwater fish?

Saltwater tank salinity is only one major factor that can contribute to increased stress in newly caught saltwater fish - other factors include levels of dissolved oxygen, the space limitations of a glass aquarium, and conflicts that may arise from cohabitation with other species. Experienced aquarists know that stress, ...

What is the normal specific gravity for saltwater?

The normal specific gravity range in saltwater aquarium is 1.012 to 1.024. Any reading within this range is adequate, but keep in mind that it is imperative that you maintain a stable level of salinity within your aquarium.

What is the treatment for saltwater ich?

Cupramine, a copper-based treatment from Seachem, treats not only saltwater ich, but also other ectoparasites in freshwater and saltwater tanks. An ionic copper medication, rather than chelated copper, it is non-acidic and doesn't damage the biofilter bacteria; however, invertebrates still need to be removed from the aquarium before treating.

What is Mardel Coppersafe?

Mardel Coppersafe from Fritz Aquatics treats both freshwater and saltwater ich, along with other diseases , including Velvet ( Oodinium) and other external parasites. However, because it is a copper-based treatment made from chelated copper sulfate, any invertebrates in your tank must be removed before using the product.

How to treat ich in fish tank?

If you prefer to avoid adding medication to your aquarium, try an alternative treatment for ich. Fish hobbyists often treat the parasites using hyposalinity, which means dipping the fish in a freshwater or low salinity water for a period of time. This causes the cell membranes of the parasites to rupture by absorption of water due to the decreased salinity. Reduce the salt level to around 0.35% salinity (one-tenth the strength of seawater) in an aerated treatment aquarium and add the fish to be treated. Remove the fish after three hours, or sooner if they show signs of stress. Repeat the process every three days until no more parasites are seen on any of the fish.

Is RALLY good for saltwater ich?

However, it might not be the top treatment for C. irritans, so you may need to combine it with an alternative treatment, such as KICK-ICH—another copper-free treatment from Ruby Reef. RALLY does, however, succeed at treating other external parasites, such as dinoflagellates and flukes.

What is copper used for?

A major source of copper in the marine environment is antifouling paints, used as coatings for ship hulls, buoys, and underwater surfaces, and as a contaminant from decking, pilings and some marine structures that used chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated timbers.

What are the natural sources of copper?

Natural sources of copper in aquatic systems include geological deposits, volcanic activity, and weathering and erosion of rocks and soils. Anthropogenic sources of copper include mining activities, agriculture, metal and electrical manufacturing, sludge from publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs), pesticide use and more.

Where is copper found?

What is Copper? Copper is an abundant trace element that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust and surface waters. Copper can be found as a pure metal in nature and has a high thermal and electrical conductivity.

Is copper toxic to aquatic organisms?

Copper is an essential nutrient at low concentrations, but is toxic to aquatic organisms at higher concentrations. In addition to acute effects such as mortality, chronic exposure to copper can lead to adverse effects on survival, growth, reproduction as well as alterations of brain function, enzyme activity, blood chemistry, and metabolism.

Why does copper drop in fish tank?

One reason your copper level may drop unexpectedly is if you are treating in a tank with rock and substrate; these should be avoided with copper due to absorption. Conversely, if you exceed the therapeutic range you risk killing the fish. Copper is a poison, pure and simple.

Does copper cure Brooklynella hostilis?

What It Treats – Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and Marine Velvet Disease (Amyloodinium ocellatum). There is some anecdotal evidence that copper will suppress symptoms of Brooklynella hostilis and Uronema marinum; however it is unlikely to completely eradicate either.

How long should you observe copper in QT?

13. If all went well with your copper treatment you should still observe them in QT for two weeks just to be safe.

How to quarantine a sump tank?

1. Take any sponges incorporated with your planned filtration and place them in a clean part of your sump. This will build beneficial bacteria while reducing the gunk buildup so you can use your quarantine tank within a couple weeks rather than making it go through a cycle for longer on its own.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9