UV Sterilization after copper treatment???

[TheGMan]

Long story short ... I recently blasted a FO setup with an ionic copper treatment. It worked, but now the problem ... I want it out! I want it out for the obvious reason of protecting my fish from longterm exposure, but also because I purchased a UV sterilizer to prevent the need for future treatment and would like to start it up. After some reading it is apparently recommended to stop UV sterilization during coppoer treatment to prevent the UV light from converting the "ionic copper" into toxic levels of "free copper". Any input on how long I should wait or how low copper levels should be before starting (or if I can ever start) UV sterilization?

 

[TerryB]

Use a test kit and test the copper level. You should make large water changes and run some carbon or Poly Filter to get the rest out. A UV light isn't really a cure for ich. Spending the money on a good quarantine system makes more sense.

Terry B

 

[TheGMan]

Thanks for the input ... already running daily tests, 2-3 water changes per week, and running carbon.

I do realize that UV isn't a cure for ich, but it should help general water quality, keep stress lower, and help general fish health.

I'm really trying to assess when it will be safe to startup my UV sterilizer after the copper treatment.

Immediately?
After cooper levels are below .10?
After cooper levels are below .05?
After copper levels are undetectable?

 

[TheGMan]

I added a Poly Filter and it is rapidily turning blue. Cooper levels are down to less than .05.

Any advice on when it is safe to resume UV sterilization?