Help copper!

[tmccaffery]

I had a pump failure in my tank and I’m guessing copper was released into aquarium. All my snails died; my corals all look dead put rock in Rubbermaid container. Will I need to replace the sand as well? That’s what looks like in Rubbermaid container. You think those corals will come back?

I am guessing this time remove at least 60 percent of water.. do I need to replace sand?

 

[Reefing102]

I’m not seeing much “alive” so I would doubt the corals will come back.

With that said, are you able to explain more of what your pump failure was? I’m just failing to correlate how a pump releases copper (unless the motor seal cracked?)

 

[griss]

I agree with Shane. I'm not seeing much, if any, life either.

I'd also like to hear more about the pump failure.

 

[tmccaffery]

Ok, the pump basically smoked and it bubbled out it released something into water. I had LFS test for copper and it's present. I am thinking of just getting all new rocks and sand restart from scratch. How many lbs of rock for a red sea max e 170? Would 25lbs of Macro Rock be enough?

 

[griss]

Sorry to hear this happened to you. If it definitely test positive for copper, personally, I'd start over. However, there have been reports of copper being absorbed by the silicone in tanks that were treated with copper. That's why when someone is looking at buying a used tank we recommend they make sure the previous owner didn't treat with copper as it could be released back into the water column. You may have intervened fast enough the little or no copper was absorbed by the silicone.

So, it's a 45 gallon tank. The amount of rock would be up to you depending on how much open space you want. That said, I'd say 25 lbs is a good starting point. You might also want to look into some of the aquacultured rock available to add life and biodiversity to the tank.

I would also err on the side of caution and replace the sand as well. How much sand? Depends on how deep you want the sand bed. Here's a calculator to determine the amount of sand.

 

[tmccaffery]

Yes my plan is to clean tank with vinegar/water should remove copper from silicone I do think.

 

[tmccaffery]

Actually read it doesn’t remove it. I have seachem Cuprisorb on order.

 

[tmccaffery]

I am restarting. Would a wrasse survive a few days without sand or it's needed?

 

[Reefing102]

I am restarting. Would a wrasse survive a few days without sand or it's needed?

It should survive just fine, however you can always add a small container of sand (like a Tupperware container) and that should work just the same

 

[tmccaffery]

I cleaned rock a lot today I think my fight conch perished not sure though. I guess if he don’t move by tomorrow he’s dead.