Copper & UV... what's the big deal?

[chrissreef]

So every bottle of copper I pick up says "turn off UV"... why? Does it "vaporize" copper or something? change it at the molecular level and make it toxic?

This is for a QT tank and using Seachem Cuprimine. Thanks!

 

[jmicky41]

From what I understand, the uv light can change the cupramine from being "complexed" with an amine into free copper - which is 10 times more toxic.

 

[cthetoy]

I accidently left my UV running while dosing Cupramine and a few hours later all my fish were breathing heavily and hiding. After checking fractically my UV was left on still (thought I turned it off). Did a 50% water change and ran carbon. Fish were fine the next day.

Luckily I dosed 1/2 the recommended dosage to start

 

[rioshilo]

Amquel plus also has the same toxic effects when used with cupramine. Lost 4 out of the 6 fish in the qt that way. Came back an hour later after adding the amquel to a bunch of dead fish. Unfortunately there is no warning about the mixing of these two things on the bottles...