Macroalgae and copper?

Ocelaris · Jun 3, 2017

I have two balls of chaeto in my quarantine tank for hiding (and was originally for seeding the tank). Should I pull that out when I start copper? I had never heard that before, but noticed in the ammonia control sticky it mentions that copper will kill it. I'm assuming that would release excess nutrients into the tank.

Thanks

Brew12 · Jun 4, 2017

Ocelaris said:
I have two balls of chaeto in my quarantine tank for hiding (and was originally for seeding the tank). Should I pull that out when I start copper? I had never heard that before, but noticed in the ammonia control sticky it mentions that copper will kill it. I'm assuming that would release excess nutrients into the tank.

Thanks

I am not sure how Chaeto will react but I have put red gracilaria algae in my QT with copper for 16 days and it showed no ill effects.
It didn't seem to absorb any measurable amount of copper, either.

I haven't tried it with the chaeto because I run much lower lighting than the chaeto likes. In my opinion it might be ok. Just watch it and if the ends start turning grey or white, pull it out.

Ocelaris · Jun 4, 2017

Thanks I try to keep it as bare as possible, but I have a Leopard wrasse in there, so was hoping to a innoculate the qt with pods for her to peck at. I'll test daily to make sure it's not absorbing too much, but there is already some sand in there for the Leopard and melanurus.

Brew12 · Jun 4, 2017

Ocelaris said:
Thanks I try to keep it as bare as possible, but I have a Leopard wrasse in there, so was hoping to a innoculate the qt with pods for her to peck at. I'll test daily to make sure it's not absorbing too much, but there is already some sand in there for the Leopard and melanurus.

I like the idea and I hope you share your results!

I just started with the red gracilaria because it does well in low light. This was in my QT

Ocelaris · Jun 4, 2017

Double ammonia badges? You're ballin! I always end up bleaching them accidentally during TTM. But I have a backup in case.

melypr1985 · Jun 4, 2017

I'm not sure what cheato will do in copper. It probably won't last the entire 30 days, but I'd like to see if it does.

Brew12 · Jun 4, 2017

Ocelaris said:
Double ammonia badges? You're ballin! I always end up bleaching them accidentally during TTM. But I have a backup in case.

Too much anecdotal evidence of some badges not working. I go with 2 just to be safe.

Ocelaris · Jun 4, 2017

Hmm I guess I'll put my back in just in case then! How long are they good for under normal circumstances? I only need them to last a month, but I imagine they're a finite resource that gets exhausted. Maybe put a new one in every week or two so there is some overlap?