Copper in Tank

[Dace]

If someone used this product in a fresh water tank (coppersafe)
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?familyid=5967

Can this tank be converted into a saltwater reef tank

I told him he couldn't but would like other opinions just incase i'm wrong

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would say no because of below.

Precautions
CopperSafe may cause an adverse reaction with some sensitive invertebrates. Invertebrates without an exoskeleton such as jellyfish, anemones, etc. should be removed before treatment. CopperSafe may be harmful to plants, amphibians, and snails. Any sudden change in aquarium conditions can be hazardous. Make changes gradually.

 

[jhale]

David, I remember reading that you could somehow remove the copper. but it was such an involved process that I would say it would not be worth it.
it's not worth the risk imo, tanks are cheaper than buying new livestock after you find out you were wrong. tell him to use the tank to set up a QT for new fish, the perfect application and solution !!!!!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would say no prob makin it a FOWLR setup

 

[Dace]

thanks jon and chief

 

[PalmTree]

Yeah I don't think I would either. Copper really gets in everywhere and sticks like glue. Don't take the chance!

 

[Davidl919]

Dave was asking about my tank I was just to busy to post till now and he was probably saving me some newbie grief. Thanks To all and Dave.
Honestly I'm making excuses for myself because I really wanted to go into this hobby because of the corals and the invertebrates and the fish last in that order and the news was kind of a downer.
Here is some history. So stop me if you guys think i'm wrong. I take advice and opinions well.
My freshwater was good for over a year maybe more just can't remember so i don't think i used it in that time?
I used about 1/4 bottle of the coppersafe. And before converting I ran the filters with an empty tank and new water for over a month. When I did water changes I would do it in 3 steps Sometimes completely changing the water. (I used some ro water).
When I broke it down I scrub it with a hand brush and a toothbrush for small places and I rinsed in my bathtub for a while.
I've got about 10 small starfishes right now and no signs of passings (nice way of saying Dead).
And I've got two questions.?
If i got a few snails 2-3 and a few shrimp 2-3 and waited 2-3 weeks can I consider it safe? and or is there a test kit or lab that can analyze my water for copper?
Thank again guys.

 

[Deanos]

What size is the tank?

 

[Davidl919]

It's a 75 gallon and i ran 2 filters a 304 and 404media used was carbon, ammo and those round fluval cylinders called pre media with temps around 70-72 in the winter and 76-79 in the summer.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

David the quote I used was directly from the petco website and it was taken from the manufacturer recommendations.

 

[jhale]

the problem is that the copper gets absorbed into the silicon.
it will then leach out over time. it's hard to test for, but it's still there.
maybe the quantity is not enough to kill inverts but why take the chance?
the tank is going to be the smallest expense in the long run.
I'd get a safe used one, or just buy it new.

 

[Dace]

the problem is that the copper gets absorbed into the silicon.
it will then leach out over time. it's hard to test for, but it's still there.
maybe the quantity is not enough to kill inverts but why take the chance?
the tank is going to be the smallest expense in the long run.
I'd get a safe used one, or just buy it new.

True Jon. The only problem with buying used is that you are at the mercy of the owner of the used tank, not to sound rude, but what if they used copper in the tank and didn't tell you. then your screwed. my advice to him would be either take your chances or buy a new tank.
Used < New :biggrin:

 

[jhale]

that's true. I guess unless you know the person and can say 100% there was never copper in the tank then buy new.

 

[joseney21]

if you really can't buy a new tank fill up your old tank and test the water for copper in a month or two (without doing water changes). the snails and shrimp may be good test subjects, but you can put that money towards a new tank, sounds more practical. i don't know of too many people with personal experience with this. i think everyone just plays it safe, and that would be my recommendation.

 

[Davidl919]

Ok sounds like i'll have to start looking for a new tank and it would have to probably be new or i would have to catch someone who is seeking an upgrade and that is exactly what I'm going to do I would want to go up to minimum 120gl to max 160gl. So time to take a detour on my tank building and start looking for a replacement tank. Thank you all for your advice I appreciate it,
P.s
Sorry but does anyone know what type of worm this is I've identified bristleworms but this guy is just an even red and I don't see the little hairy thingys. But he does behave like a bristle in and out of the hole, sort of scavenging.

 

[Deanos]

Peanut worm.

 

[kris]

YES, you can reuse it, if you're willing to rinse the tank in a solution of muriatic acid. You can also use citric acid. The acid will cause any copper to precipitate out and then you flush the tank. There's a really old thread on RC by a chemist. It's pretty simple. Mix up the warm acid solution, soak and rince a few times. I did it a few years ago. Sold the tank and it' still a reef. I have some of the acid if you want.

 

[Deanos]

R. Shimek - Copper

 

[Dace]

YES, you can reuse it, if you're willing to rinse the tank in a solution of muriatic acid. You can also use citric acid. The acid will cause any copper to precipitate out and then you flush the tank. There's a really old thread on RC by a chemist. It's pretty simple. Mix up the warm acid solution, soak and rince a few times. I did it a few years ago. Sold the tank and it' still a reef. I have some of the acid if you want.

dude i have a gallon of this at home, don't buy none

 

[Davidl919]

Woo hoo
Thanks to Chris for the info I don't know how i'll be able to repay you and Deanos thanks for the link I can repay you by not flaking out when we go to the handball courts and bringing the bottle water. Dave i'll see you later, Loco.
It's a good thing that I only kept the tank, so that's the only thing I have to clean.
I'll do the process which is explained in the link next week when I get my ro. I don't have the room to do it in my apartment plus if by some chance the hydrochloric acid and bleach meet they can dispose of me as well as the copper. So open air is a plus.
Thanks again guys.