Copper in Tank - unknown source.

J

jkrutch

New member
Can my pump (which is made for swimming pools and has a brass internal component that contacts the water) be seeping copper into my tank?

I finally have found out what has killed all my inverts....a poly filter pad revealed copper. It turned blue within a few hours. No copper was added by my former svc company (so they claim), but it is there despite a recent complete water change. I am desperate for suggestions.

My tank is topped off by RO/DI water fed by a copper pipe. I am hoping the RO/DI would remove any copper released from the pipe. The run from my garage to my tank is all PVC pipe and unless there is a piece of copper stuck in the line somewhere, that cant be the source. Thanks in advance for advice!
 
Re: Copper in Tank - unknown source.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10863323#post10863323 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jkrutch
Can my pump (which is made for swimming pools and has a brass internal component that contacts the water) be seeping copper into my tank?

QUOTE]

Yes. Brass is a metal composed primarily of copper and zinc
Click to expand...
 
OK, based on everyone's response, the source appears to be the pump. I called the pump manufacturer (FLOTEC) and asked about metal components that contact the water. I already knew the composition of brass, but didn't know if that could be the source of the copper. When they told me about the brass part, I was very concerned.

Looks like a new pump is in order. Now I need to find one strong enough for my 300g + sump + 150 foot run from pump to tank.

Any suggestions on pumps? Mine is a 1HP currently. Thanks to everyone.
 
I replaced the pump yesterday with a sequence 7400 Power Pump, so I know the pump is no longer the issue. Here is my question...Assuming the pump was the source of the copper (and the consensus agrees it was), what do I need to do now?

I am running a poly filter to extract whatever copper might be left in the tank. Do I need to scrap everything in my tank (sand, rock, etc) and start fresh or will the poly pad remove all of the copper over time. If so, how long do I need to give this? If not, is there a better way to remove copper? Do I need a water change?

As you have probably guessed by now I am clueless in this situation. I need some expert advice from someone who really knows what to do and who isn't trying to "sell me". This entire ordeal has me ready to throw in the towel, but I am far too stubborn to quit now. Thanks in advance.
 
It's my understanding that Polyfilter will not /can not remove all the copper and anything calcium carbonate will bind copper.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10917663#post10917663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mbbuna
this thread should answer your questions http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=861048&highlight=copper
Click to expand...

The link you sent lead to more links....In 20 minutes I feel as if I have become an expert on copper absorption/adsorption. The bottom line is this...Once copper has been introduced into a tank, it will no longer be safe for inverts since levels as low as 1ppb can be toxic to certain organisms. I am starting from scratch. No two ways around it. Thanks very much to everyone for their input.

MBBUNA your help was invaluable and has given me the specific answer I needed.
 
Good luck jkrutch!

Don't feel bad, we've all made plenty of mistakes. I know I have, especially when I was just starting out! Let us know how everything turns out.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10920585#post10920585 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by discocarp
Good luck jkrutch!

Don't feel bad, we've all made plenty of mistakes. I know I have, especially when I was just starting out! Let us know how everything turns out.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the encouragement. No worries here! The reason I am where I am is because for the first time in my life, I left a major project in someone's hands who I trusted. My normal MO is to research thoroughly, learn everything I can, interview at least 2-3 vendors and make a decision from there. In this case, the aquarium was happening at the same time as we were building our dream house. Too much going on at the same time. I used a vendor based on a recommendation and the fact that this LFS was around for a long time. What I didn't know, was that their reputation has declined to the point that many people wanted to see the owner floating in a fish tank!

I have another company owned by a former manager of the first LFS. He left there solely because he wouldn't tolerate the unethical actions being taken on many occasions. His reputation is excellent and his attitude (although a little cocky) is one of sincerity and fairness. He knows what I have been through and also what my expectations are moving forward. He also knows that I won't tolerate anything that doesn't work. That will be in our contract.

Also, because of Reef Central, I have learned a great deal in a short amount of time. I feel that I know enough to not get screwed again. Live and learn.

Thanks for everything. I expect to have my dream tank achieved by the end of the year. I have almost 3 months. I will post before and after pictures.

Onward and upward!!!!
 
Great attitude in the face of adversity! Please do keep us posted on your progress, and sorry to hear about your setback.
 
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