Copper in Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt?

[aaron186]

I had an ICP test come back with 6mcg/L of Copper in my display. I have a Hanna checker for Copper that I used on QT system so I checked my water and I got a reading of 0.1 ppm on the checker. I tried running Triton detox and got a reading of 0.04 after the treatment and a water change. I searched my tank and sump for any metal and no luck. I do have sealed magnets and probes in my tank and I keep my flipper in the tank but I doubt that's the source. This prompted me to try the checker on my salt mix and got a reading of 0.11 on the salt (Tropic Marin Pro Reef). I might have reintroduced more copper after the water change. I checked my RODI and got a reading 0.00ppm on the checker. I went back and rechecked and got a similar reading on all 3 tests. This means it's coming from the salt mix right? Should I stop using Tropic Marin? I just picked up 3 boxes of this for black friday too. Has anyone else had similar issues. Is there a different salt I can try? I store my salt in the garage and do autowater changes so I need something that can store for 4 weeks

 

[Miami Reef]

You should stop using that checker for copper levels in a reef tank.

The checker only works in high range levels, and it will give false positives in lower levels. It is not accurate enough for reef tanks.

Stick with ICP for copper testing.

 

[aaron186]

You should stop using that checker for copper levels in a reef tank.

The checker only works in high range levels, and it will give false positives in lower levels. It is not accurate enough for reef tanks.

Stick with ICP for copper testing.

The ICP was positive though

 

[Miami Reef]

The ICP was positive though

Positive for “6mcg/L” and 0.1ppm are 2 completely different things. The latter will absolutely kill any non-fish in the tank.

 

[Spare time]

The ICP was positive though

Some amount of copper is normal.

 

[aaron186]

Positive for “6mcg/L” and 0.1ppm are 2 completely different things. The latter will absolutely kill any non-fish in the tank.

But my test was consistently 0.1ppm in the salt mix

 

[Miami Reef]

But my test was consistently 0.1ppm in the salt mix

You aren’t the first person to experience this. I’m telling you based on experience and from helping others: that checker will not read low enough. It’s not accurate. The results are false.

 

[redfishbluefish]

As stated, Hanna no good for low levels of copper. Also realize, if I have my zeros right, 6 micrograms/L of copper is 0.006ppm which is pretty low.

 

[bushdoc]

Hanna copper checker is not accurate below 1ppm. This has been discussed recently somewhere on this forum.
As Miami Reef and others said, there's no use of Hanna Copper Checker to test levels below certain threshold
6mcg/l=0.006ppm, which is very low
Some copper will be present in possibly most salt mixtures.
Do you add any micro elements? Copper can be present there.

 

[rtparty]

Copper is an essential element to life. Many of us dose it in some way even.

I would be far more worried about leaving your Flipper in the tank. I can't think of another cleaner that breaks open and lets water into the magnets more than Flipper.

 

[aaron186]

Ok cool thanks guys. I’ll send another ICP and pull the flipper out

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, Tropic Marin is also clear that they add copper, in what they consider to be an appropriate amount. Seeing a little is not a problem.

 

[aaron186]

FWIW, Tropic Marin is also clear that they add copper, in what they consider to be an appropriate amount. Seeing a little is not a problem.

I had no idea. That makes me feel better. Thank you

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I had no idea. That makes me feel better. Thank you

You're welcome.

Happy reefing. :)