Should I do water changes while treating with copper?

[KatilicaClavijo]

Hello everybody..
Should I do water changes while treating with copper (I'm using Cupramine-Seachem) the levels are kind of high (Ammonia 0.00, Nitrate 0.5, and Nitrite 0.25...) Should I do water changes and re dose to maintain the 0.5 concentration??:hmm2:
Appreciate your answers! Thanks

 

[MrTuskfish]

Your ammonia test is almost certainly wrong. most ammonia tests don't work with Cupramine; you need a stick-on ammonia alert badge. There is no reason to test for nitrite or nitrate in a QT; it won't get high enough to be a problem.

Unless you were ready and your QT/ HT was cycled (usually with a bacteria seeded sponge filter from another tank) ; then you'll have to do WCs. Be sure you have a Cu test kit that works well with Cupramine; either SeaChem or Salifert. When doing WCs , be sure the Cu in the new water matches the QT tank water. just a few minutes of a low Cu level, while testing and adding CU, can be a window for a new parasite to find a fish----and the time table starts again. Doing WCs in a QT is a PITA; after this round, stay prepared with a seeded sponge in your DT and ammonia won't be a problem requiring WCs. Here's some good poop on Cupramine; the FAQ are required reading. BTW, SeaChem has excellent tech support, don't hesitate to call them.
http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Cupramine.html

 

[KatilicaClavijo]

Thank you I got it!