Copper problem!

[Ramon reef]

Hi,

I was looking at my RO setup and noticed that I installed a brass tap at the bottom of barrel. After doing some research, I found out it can leach copper and other metals into my DT. So I immediately ordered a plastic tap. My DT was getting a reading of 0.04ppm of copper (everything looks great in the tank, but there were a couple of invert causality). I proceeded to do a 25% water change with a different barrel that doesn't have any brass. After testing my water, I got 0.07ppm of copper. I was a little short on the water change, and now I am using a 5gal pail. I tested that water and got 0.21ppm! So I tested water directly from RO and got a reading of 0.00ppm.
Where am I getting the copper from?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The readings are from what?

If the Hanna, it is not reliable at low levels and many folks see copper that is not there by icp.

 

[eggie]

Its not that high, copper could be leaching from food, pumps exposed wires or GFO
MAybe the use of Cuprisorb or Metasorb would lower or remove it

 

[Ramon reef]

The readings are from what?

If the Hanna, it is not reliable at low levels and many folks see copper that is not there by iI firs

The readings are from what?

If the Hanna, it is not reliable at low levels and many folks see copper that is not there by icp.

I first checked with salifert, and to confirm i used my hanna. Then I only used my hanna.

 

[Ramon reef]

I disposed of the last pail that I was mixing, and will test the new batch I am mixing with a different pump. If I get 0.00 then I know my original pump was bad.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I first checked with salifert, and to confirm i used my hanna. Then I only used my hanna.

There’s no home device that can read copper adequately low for normal reef water. There are intended for medication levels.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I disposed of the last pail that I was mixing, and will test the new batch I am mixing with a different pump. If I get 0.00 then I know my original pump was bad.

No, the tests are not suitable.

 

[Ramon reef]

No, the tests are not suitable.

Thanks. My tank is 6 months old, should I get an icp test done?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks. My tank is 6 months old, should I get an icp test done?

Unless there is a coral problem, I would just stop thinking about it. But it’s a fine plan to get a quality icp, such as Oceamo, or proactively use a copper binder just in case.