Contamination risk with display tank when using chelated Copper in QT tank.

[duishark]

How thoroughly do I need to wash my arms and hands after working with QT tank containing 2.5ppm chelated copper. I don’t want to accidentally introduce copper into my sump in a separate fish room, nor do I want to contaminate the display with a coppery arm. Further, if a bucket, or heater has been used with copper, will it forever be a copper only device. finally, what about using the same refractometer with the copper bin and the display tank water. I have used a separate pipette to grab the copper-dosed water. I rinse the refractometer with RO/DI from a spray bottle. what else am I missing in the multitude of copper cross-contamination issues. I worry about the things I can’t see, including the soap residue on my arms. My advance apologies if I am somewhat paranoid!

 

[exnisstech]

I try to wash my hands before and after I'm in any of my tanks. I would only be concerned about porous material like rock. I've never had a problem with plastics just rinse them.

 

[duishark]

Thanks, I actually try to avoid surfactants on my hands and arms before reaching in. But somebody has to wash the dishes around here, (ha).

 

[jda]

The food you feed will have traces of copper and some supplements likely have copper in them too - especially the color enhancing ones. Some copper is fine and some will even dose it. Too much can be a problem. In any case, your skimmer can get some of it and more can bind to aragonite.

Just do a rinse and wipe down your hands. I would use a piece of equipment any time after it has been in copper once it is rinsed off well.

 

[Kayvon]

You really don't have to worry too much about that sort of thing. The amount of copper will likely be minimal. If you're really worried about it keep a few polyfilters around. You should probably keep one around anyway just in case

 

[duishark]

The food you feed will have traces of copper and some supplements likely have copper in them too - especially the color enhancing ones. Some copper is fine and some will even dose it. Too much can be a problem. In any case, your skimmer can get some of it and more can bind to aragonite.

Just do a rinse and wipe down your hands. I would use a piece of equipment any time after it has been in copper once it is rinsed off well.

Thanks, I’m tired of scrubbing-in!

 

[duishark]

You really don't have to worry too much about that sort of thing. The amount of copper will likely be minimal. If you're really worried about it keep a few polyfilters around. You should probably keep one around anyway just in case

thanks for the good news!