Testing empty tank for copper

[rich527]

Is there a way to test for copper? Thx rich

 

[gone fishin]

since the tank is empty I do not know of a way. If it had some water in it I would suggest poly filter, I believe it turns blue in the presence of copper.

 

[mcgyvr]

Yep.. Its best to pass on the tank if you are unsure if copper was used..

 

[ca1ore]

Bah, it's a perpetuated myth. I've used tanks that had been used for copper treatments many times to house inverts. Never a problem. I mean, where do people think the copper is lurking? Glass won't absorb it, neither will silicone. Even if the latter did, it's going to be such a tiny amount as to be negligible.

You certainly don't want to be using rocks that had been in copper, but the tank is fine.

 

[mcgyvr]

Bah, it's a perpetuated myth. I've used tanks that had been used for copper treatments many times to house inverts. Never a problem. I mean, where do people think the copper is lurking? Glass won't absorb it, neither will silicone. Even if the latter did, it's going to be such a tiny amount as to be negligible.

You certainly don't want to be using rocks that had been in copper, but the tank is fine.

I wasn't sure if it would get into the silicone.. Its certainly not impervious to elements.. But you are probably correct..

 

[billdogg]

Bah, it's a perpetuated myth. I've used tanks that had been used for copper treatments many times to house inverts. Never a problem. I mean, where do people think the copper is lurking? Glass won't absorb it, neither will silicone. Even if the latter did, it's going to be such a tiny amount as to be negligible.

You certainly don't want to be using rocks that had been in copper, but the tank is fine.

What he said.

And FWIW - my 60 cube had just one large piece of carved pumice in it that had to be siliconed to the bottom and so could not be removed. I couldn't tell you how many times I used copper in it way back in the day. That tank later became my first to house anemones, soft and hard corals, and numerous inverts, all without issue. WIll the rock absorb some copper? Sure, but it will also leech out with time. Polyfilter will help.

If the tank is currently empty, rinse it and use it. It'll be fine.

 

[nereefpat]

Why don't you fill it with water, then test for Cu?

 

[rich527]

Thank you for the help