Only solution

[Artur 1972]

During Copper treatment the only way to keep Amonia are daily Water Changes, right? Just want to make sure there is no other easier option. Thanks.

 

[Deinonych]

Yes, that's correct. If it's an emergency QT/HT, I add some ceramic media into the HOB filter along with bacteria in a bottle to boost the biofilter. Usually can extend the WCs to every three days or so, depending on bioload.

 

[Artur 1972]

Im in day 5. It's a 15 gal. Tank with Henioucus Buterfly that has ich. She's doing fine. No signs of ich ( I know it's still there) Will keep going for another 2 weeks. I put bio wheel from my display tank but copper kills any good bacteria, right? So every day I change 80% of water volume because API test shows 0.25. Can I do water changes every 2 days? Probably not with Amonia 0.25 on next day. Please advice. ..

 

[HumbleFish]

During Copper treatment the only way to keep Amonia are daily Water Changes, right? Just want to make sure there is no other easier option. Thanks.

It actually depends on what kind of copper you are using. Ammonia neutralizers such as Amquel turn ionic copper (i.e. Cupramine) toxic. However, ammonia neutralizers do not have the same effect on chelated copper (i.e. Coppersafe). But most people do not like using chelated copper anymore because it's generally considered to be harsher on the fish. And Cupramine is already harsh enough.

 

[Mrscribbled]

Copper will not effect nitrifying bacteria, most ammonia test kits give a false reading with copper, I suggest an ammonia alert badge.

 

[Artur 1972]

Is this true? Im using API test kit. What is Amonia Alert Badge?.

Copper will not effect nitrifying bacteria, most ammonia test kits give a false reading with copper, I suggest an ammonia alert badge.

 

[Deinonych]

Is this true? Im using API test kit. What is Amonia Alert Badge?.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255R5G

Very convenient for monitoring ammonia in semi-real time.

 

[tylersarah]

I've heard API often wrongfully reads .25 ppm, I'd pick up a Salifert kit and try that. And for the Ammonia Alert badge, I think that's more of a freshwater application, levels of ammonia have to be dangerously high in saltwater for the badge to begin to change color.

 

[SaltWaterAdam]

I've heard API often wrongfully reads .25 ppm, I'd pick up a Salifert kit and try that. And for the Ammonia Alert badge, I think that's more of a freshwater application, levels of ammonia have to be dangerously high in saltwater for the badge to begin to change color.

Well that's wrong.... SeaChem sells an alert badge specifically for saltwater. I've used one for the past 4 months in QT tanks with great results.

 

[Artur 1972]

Thank you guys. I will look for Amonia Alert Badge on internet. I hope I can find one.

 

[HumbleFish]

Thank you guys. I will look for Amonia Alert Badge on internet. I hope I can find one.

Petco/smart usually sells them if you have one of those near you.

 

[Artur 1972]

To double check what test do you guys recommend? Seams like my API it's not so good. SALIFERT maybe more accurate with Copper?

 

[Mrscribbled]

Salifert will not work with copper, seachems usually does since it only tests free ammonia. Api will always give false with copper.

 

[Mrscribbled]

I'm mobile so can bring up the link to s eachems questions and answers.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Controlling ammonia in a QT is easy, if you plan ahead and have cycled media. I prefer Cupramine copper and the cheap little ammonia badges work well. I think even Wal-mart has them. Here's all the poop you need on Cupramine, the FAQ are great:http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Cupramine.html

Also, I think Cu should be introduced much slower and to a lower concentration than the packaging suggests. SeaChem is fine with this I take about a week to go from zero to about .35-.40 on a SeaChem copper test kit.

 

[tylersarah]

Well that's wrong.... SeaChem sells an alert badge specifically for saltwater. I've used one for the past 4 months in QT tanks with great results.

I don't trust them any longer. I would always back it up with a standard test kit.

 

[Artur 1972]

[ Im into 5 day with copper treatment. Im using Cupramine. Everyday im changing 80% of water from my 15 gal. Tank with Henioucus Buterfly. My API shows 0.25. Before i kept bio wheel for 3 weeks in main tank to seed bacteria.UOTE=MrTuskfish;21988047]Controlling ammonia in a QT is easy, if you plan ahead and have cycled media. I prefer Cupramine copper and the cheap little ammonia badges work well. I think even Wal-mart has them. Here's all the poop you need on Cupramine, the FAQ are great:http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Cupramine.html

Also, I think Cu should be introduced much slower and to a lower concentration than the packaging suggests. SeaChem is fine with this I take about a week to go from zero to about .35-.40 on a SeaChem copper test kit.[/QUOTE]

 

[Deinonych]

Also, I think Cu should be introduced much slower and to a lower concentration than the packaging suggests. SeaChem is fine with this I take about a week to go from zero to about .35-.40 on a SeaChem copper test kit.

+1

This is what I do as well...much easier on the fish.

 

[Artur 1972]

Thanks for all help!!! I found Sachem Amonia Alerts for 9$. So like every evening Im checking Amonia level in the tank. API shows like every evening 0.25. Amonia Alert - not detectible < less then 0.02> I will skip water change tonight. I hope Amonia Alert is right. I guess there is no other option since everywhere I looked people saying that all liquid test kits will give false reading when copper is in the water...:sad2: Fish acts normal, no signs of any stress

 

[ssdawood]

You can also get a bottle of microbacter 7 or prodiobo sp? I just started a quarantine form scratch and it has helped me control ammonia.