Carbon not absorbing cupramine

[Colten]

So, I put carbon in the filter 5 days ago to remove the cupramine. It's still at .05. Why is it taking so long? I have a fish order coming in today to put in the QT. Can I just add the fish to my DT even though he's still in cupramine?

 

[melypr1985]

So, I put carbon in the filter 5 days ago to remove the cupramine. It's still at .05. Why is it taking so long? I have a fish order coming in today to put in the QT. Can I just add the fish to my DT even though he's still in cupramine?

Yes you can do that. Carbon isn't the most efficient at removing copper unless the water is being forced to move through it. Cupusorb would work better, but it's the same concept. Water changes will help tremendously to get the copper levels down. You'll want them down very low before the new fish come in anyway so you don't shock them.

 

[Empress]

If you read Humblefish's Stickie "Chucks Picture Fish Disease Guide", and click on the very first blue link then scroll almost all the way to the bottom and read under "Copper Based Medications" it says only water changes will remove chelated copper, (Not Carbon)! Just saying.

 

[Colten]

Ahh! That would explain it. Thanks everyone for the info!

 

[jd371]

What about a Poly-Filter? I used this in conjunction with a wc and dropped the copper down quickly. The filter turns from white to blue as it removes copper.

 

[Humblefish]

What about a Poly-Filter? I used this in conjunction with a wc and dropped the copper down quickly. The filter turns from white to blue as it removes copper.

+1 A polyfilter works great at removing copper (and other heavy metals): http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4335