Copper Readings in Display Tank

[chaserdogg01]

Hello everyone,

I just recently finished up a fallow period and added my clowns back to their 75-gallon display tank. Before I get a clean-up crew or coral in there, I wanted to make sure that my copper readings were low enough/not of any concern. Unfortunately, using a Hanna High Range copper tester, I got readings of .23, .42 and .33 PPM. I haven't dosed any copper or anything in the display tank, I set up a QT tank for the treatments so am a bit confused here. I have been using RODI water for the past 12 weeks after initially filling the tank with tap water - this is the only time I think I could have added any copper to the system, through that initial tap water fill up. Obviously wanting to make sure that all copper is out of the system before adding inverts/coral, I ordered some Cuprisorb and Polyfil to remove any residual copper.

I have also been seeing that people say the Hanna testers are not as effective at these lower ranges? Are these reading levels of any concern and should I add the Cuprisorb and Polyfil just to be safe? While I know test strips are often scoffed at in the hobby, I'm getting a zero reading for copper on that. Another thing I noticed is the color after adding the reagent. When I was testing with the copper power, it would turn purple, whereas when mixing the reagent with my DT water, it has been staying very clear - hence the reason for my hesitancy to believe these copper readings. I obviously don't want to drop 200-400 on CUC and coral if this copper is going to be an issue so wanted to get some insight before I make any big purchases. Thank you!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The Hanna appears to be not useful for low levels. It almost always reads copper when icp shows none.

Use it for medication, not measuring reef tank levels.

If you are concerned about it being real, get an icp test.

 

[chaserdogg01]

The Hanna appears to be not useful for low levels. It almost always reads copper when icp shows none.

Use it for medication, not measuring reef tank levels.

If you are concerned about it being real, get an icp test.

Thanks, Randy! I'll just plan on adding the cuprisorb, polyfil and refreshing the carbon in my filter to hopefully take care of any residual copper.

 

[exnisstech]

Maybe grab a few inverts from a LFS just to try before adding a whole crew?

 

[chaserdogg01]

Maybe grab a few inverts from a LFS just to try before adding a whole crew?

Hi Exnisstech, unfortunately my only LFS specializes in freshwater with a small selection of saltwater species that they do not quarantine. Being that I just got burnt by velvet (hence the aforementioned fallow period), I'm hesitant to get anything that isn't either pre-quarantined or not held with fish (Reef Cleaners).