Is it possible to remove copper from a tank?

[edd_hardy]

I'd like to convert a freshwater tank to saltwater (reef), however I have once used an ich medication that says it cannot be used with marine tanks. Obviously all the water, gravel etc. would be removed and the tannk washed, however I have got the impression from what I have read that this is not enough to make it safe. It seems surprising to me that one dose would be enough to cause surficient leeching from the tank into the water for there to be any danger. So is this tank safe, definatly unsafe, or somewhere in between?

Thanks in advance
Ed

 

[saltydog]

EDD, WASH your tank out a couple of times then fill it w/ water an test it /water for COPPER, just get a KIT, if your going to use your water from home test it for outher trace elements also. when you get your substrate in an add water/salt you checking that again,will be waiting for it to CYCLE an SPIKE this is when you will be checking again , you shouldn't have any problem, GOOD LUCK on your new venture into THE WORLD OF SALT, PLEASE READ BEFOR you BUY any fish, or corals, to add to your tank, you will want everything you SEE, BUT NOT all things will live TOGETHER, so take the time to READ.
GOOD LUCK GOOD REEFIN

 

[ste2k3]

IMHO, I would get a new tank, presuming you want a reef/inverts. if you want fish only, then there won't be a problem with copper but it will kill inverts. If you are going to be spending £££££ on this tank, then its not worth the risk IMO, especially for the price of a nother tank.

ste

 

[Erika_4404]

before you test your water you can also run carbon in you filiter to help remove any copper that might be lingering

 

[ostrow]

salty and erika's advice IMO/IME will not be effective. Carbon, in particular, will do nothing to remove the trace carbon adhering to the glass, silicon, etc.

I'm not even sure a bleach wash would be effective. If you try to wash, you have to do a LOT of vigorous scrubbing, which, depending on the tank size (how large is it?) could be quite difficult.

I'm with ste ... if you want anything other than FO, you will want to get a new tank.

 

[Erika_4404]

well i was just trying to help Ostrow .

 

[RamJet]

Fill your tank with water, get some coprisorb and put it in your tank. It will take out the copper and other metals that leech off the glass. You should be fine. I like to keep a bag in all my tanks. Even new substraits contain small amounts of metals, what is on your glass is going to be an even smaller amount. If you are worried about it, try the coprisorb for a month then test the water. I bet it comes back negative.

 

[ostrow]

Hey RamJet, I've never heard of this stuff. Gotta do a google search on it. Do you think it would pull copper out of rock and sand though? Well, anyone adding copper to a reef tank though...

This is intriguing for FO tanks. GL ever heard of it?

Erika, me too, which is why I replied quickly. If you (or I) post information that is incorrect with an authoritative tone someone might not know and inadvertantly cause harm to fish, corals, etc. While in this hobby YMMV is a frequent refrain, in this case that principle did not apply. No offense to you intended. Like you said, just trying to help out.

 

[RamJet]

Yes, it says that it will pull it out of the substraight if you leave it in the tank. It is made by Seachem:"CupriSorb is a powerful adsorbent of copper and heavy metals. It rapidly removes all types of copper, remaining effective until it turns a deep blue-black color. When in continuous use, it gradually pulls out precipitated copper and permits invertebrate culture in tanks previously treated with copper. A 100 mL bag is adequate for up to 60 gallons and removes over 3,000 mg of copper or 12 ppm in 60 gallons. It may be regenerated repeatedly. Marine or freshwater use."

 

[edd_hardy]

Thanks for the quick replies.

It's only a 3' tank so I'll replace it, not worth risking the whole project for a tank. Anyway it's a good excuse to get a custom drilled one which should make plumbing easier.

Ed