Using Cupramine in a QT Help

[Kelly1234]

My DT has ich, I am setting up a QT during the next few days to try and wipe it out. I ordered Seachem Cupramine Copper but have absolutely no experience with it so I need some advice please. I also ordered the Seachem copper test strips as well.

I know the DT will have to sit for 72 days, but what are the steps needed to cure my fish in the QT? What level should my copper read? How often do I perform water changes on the QT? How often should I be testing the other parameters?

Basically I'm looking for a step-by-step instruction from someone who has done this successfully.

Thank you!!
(Tank includes 2 clowns, royal gramma (the culprit), and firefish)

 

[scooter31707]

You want to make sure you have a bare-bottom tank and make sure you do not use anything from QT in the DT. It's been awhile since I use copper, but I believe the instructions states to dose a certain amount accordingly to your QT size, wait 48 hours and dose again. At this point, copper has to be maintained at 0.5ppm to be effective. When doing water changes, it's recommend to dose the fresh saltwater. Also do not use Prime with the Cupramine, it will kill your fish. Do not use any pad or rocks or anything that can absorb the copper which will give you a false reading. Hope that helps.

 

[Kelly1234]

got it, thank you

 

[GT3000XX]

Bring the level up to .5 over several days. (This will put less stress on fish) You will need to test daily until you get it to maintain .5. Also the instructions say to treat for 14 days. I recommend 30 days to be sure. I would also get a Ammonia Alert badge. Water changes will be based on ammonia readings. Again as stated do not use Prime or Amquel or any other ammonia reducing products. It will make the copper toxic to the fish. Good luck

 

[jimnchal]

If you have any puffers they are sensitive to copper also. Just an FYI

 

[snorvich]

Bring the level up to .5 over several days. (This will put less stress on fish) You will need to test daily until you get it to maintain .5. Also the instructions say to treat for 14 days. I recommend 30 days to be sure. I would also get a Ammonia Alert badge. Water changes will be based on ammonia readings. Again as stated do not use Prime or Amquel or any other ammonia reducing products. It will make the copper toxic to the fish. Good luck

Good advice. :lol2:

 

[Dmorty217]

Bring the level up to .5 over several days. (This will put less stress on fish) You will need to test daily until you get it to maintain .5. Also the instructions say to treat for 14 days. I recommend 30 days to be sure. I would also get a Ammonia Alert badge. Water changes will be based on ammonia readings. Again as stated do not use Prime or Amquel or any other ammonia reducing products. It will make the copper toxic to the fish. Good luck

+2 and I would suggest getting the seachem copper test since other tests don't read correctly

 

[Kelly1234]

Thank you! I actually did purchase the seachem copper test as well, just need to get the ammonia alert.

 

[Kelly1234]

Thank you, that helps a lot! What should I be doing with my DT while I quarantine? Do I need to do water changes on that as well or do I kind of let it sit?

 

[GT3000XX]

What is still going to be left in your display tank?

Also be very careful about cross contamination between the 2 tanks....

Also another option if you are concerned about using the copper you could also do the tank transfer method. Then quarantine the fish for the remainder left of the 72 day fallow period....

 

[Kelly1234]

What is still going to be left in your display tank?

Also be very careful about cross contamination between the 2 tanks....

My display tank will only have a sea urchin and hermit crabs in it. I need to treat all of my fish for ich otherwise.

 

[GT3000XX]

I edited my post:
Also another option if you are concerned about using the copper you could also do the tank transfer method. Then quarantine the fish for the remainder left of the 72 day fallow period....

I would think with that low of a bio-load you could do 20% WC every 30 days.