How long to use copper?
- Thread starter ozorowsky
- Start date
You want it at 1.5 ppm and keep it there for one full month. But bring it up slowly. Let the fish get used to the elevated copper levels. So, don't bring it up .5 ppm all in one dose. Several days is fine.
Your ammonia should be 0 at all times. However, some ammonia test kits won't test accurately while treating w/Copper. What test kit are you using? I would get one of these to double check:
http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/AmmoniaAlert.html
Your ammonia should be 0 at all times. However, some ammonia test kits won't test accurately while treating w/Copper. What test kit are you using? I would get one of these to double check:
http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/AmmoniaAlert.html
I use the API test kit and an ammonia meter.
If both are showing a detectable ammonia level, then it's probably there - and not just a false-pos. What kind of filtration are you running and how many fish are in QT?
QT tank is 40 gallon tall with some cut 1 1/2" pvc pipes in there.
I have an in tank filter running like the fluval ones.
There are 3 clown fish a rabbit fish, and 2 chromis in there. I am going to move my other fish (2 more chromis, 2 diamond gobies, a watchman goby and a striped goby) over there from my main tank as I had an ich outbreak and I want to ensure these aren't carrying some remaining ich.
Is it something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Plus-Internal-Filter-GPH/dp/B00025YVQ2
If so, you may need something more, especially once you add the additional fish (if you're already having ammonia problems). I would add a HOB filter. Instead of giving you my song and dance, I'll just plagiarize this *see below* from MrTuskfish (I'm sure he won't mind). If you just do this, I think your ammonia problems with go away. It sure made me a believer, I've now switched over to doing this:
"In regards to Qt cycling; I've done this for years. Get a HOB filter; I really like Aqua-Clear, they have a big sponge and last forever. Don't use the carbon or ceramic noodles that come with the filter. Also, have some extra sponges on hand, they're cheap. Keep a sponge in the flow somewhere in your DT. When you need a QT or HT, just use the sponge that has been in your main system in your QT filter---the QT will be instantly cycled. When done, toss the sponge and keep a new one ready in your main system.
BTW, Cupramine copper, used in a QT,will not destroy a bio-filter. QT is enough of a PITA; you shouldn't have to battle ammonia too." - MrTuskfish
Yes; that is exactly the filter; I have a second one I can put in there if you think it needs it; dunno what good the filter realllly does; does the sponge inside there just absorb the waste or what?
Also, I have a sponge cycling in my main tank as I type this
Yes; that is exactly the filter; I have a second one I can put in there if you think it needs it; dunno what good the filter realllly does; does the sponge inside there just absorb the waste or what?
Also, I have a sponge cycling in my main tank as I type this
I'm not too familiar with those in-tank filters. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever used one. I'm guessing, like you said, it has a sponge to absorb waste. Hopefully there's no carbon in there :headwally:
I just like the HOB filters because they move so much more water IMO and when you use one in conjunction with a sponge properly seeded with nitrifying bacteria, it really seems to help with the ammonia.
Gotcha; no, no carbon in my filter. I also have a HOB filter I could use; I don't use it right now cuz I hate that trickling water sound. I like silence; trickling water always makes me feel like I have a big leak and worries me.
