Coppersafe Causing False Ammonia reading

[Winand]

This past week I had to setup an emergency hospital tank with no available media to use for a bacteria base. After setting up the hospital tank I struggled with a high presence of ammonia. After trying several methods to cure the problem I finally determined that the Coppersafe medication was causing a false ammonia reading when using my Redsea Ammonia test kit.

To test my theory I made a batch of fresh saltwater as I normally do (RODI+Reef Crystals). I then tested the fresh Saltwater and it read 0 Ammonia. (The Vial on the far left of the picture)

Next I added a measured a dose of Coppersafe to the new Saltwater and retested the Ammonia. This time the test showed an Ammonia level of around.8 (The Vial in the middle of the picture)

Finally I added a dose of Nite-Out II (LFS Recommendation to cure the Ammonia problem). This time the test for Ammonia showed off the chart. (The Vial on the far Right)

I did several google searches and never found this information, so I hopes this helps anyone having a similar issue.


Chris- 65 Reef Tank (2 months old)

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Yes, Coopersafe can and in many cases does give out false ammonia readings. When treating with coppersafe I monitor fish feedings and usually do a water change every 5 days. New water is pre-treated with coopersafe prior to adding it to QT. This insures minimal risk of death from ammonia.

 

[Winand]

Well I referenced a picture but for some reason it didn't post.

 

[Dmorty217]

I use a API copper test kit with coppersafe but they are very difficult to read. Some kits work better than others. Another reason I don't enjoy using copper