Removing metals and copper

[theguy418]

Hi does anyone know the best way to rid(or minimize) your shrimp tank of any remaining traces of metals and/or copper? Are numerous water changes even good enough? I heard metal leeches into your sponge filters.

Also, I have a sponge filter that was previously in a tank with metal (from plant fertilizers). I wringed it out and rinsed it with new water several times but is this good enough?

Thank you

[NanoDave]

I think some anti chlorine can remove heavy metals... :)

[gnatster]

SeaChem's CupriSorb will remove heavy metals

[theguy418]

Wow so adding dechlor solutions like my Amquel Plus or SeaChem's CupriSorb will do? That simple?

[theguy418]

Does anyone have any suggested brands of metal/copper test kits that I may find here in the U.S?

[GunmetalBlue]

Hi TheGuy, when I google searched Doctors Foster & Smith, I notice they carry something called Seachem Copper Test Kit. I've no feedback on it though, because I've never tried it.

Although you were asking about metals already in your tank, I wanted to add that as to any water changes, make sure you use cold water, not hot. Reason being that when you use hot, the water comes out of the water heater where all kinds of nasty stuff resides, including metals. The idea of using hot water might sound funny to some, but I remember I used to use part hot water in the winter to help bring up temp. I don't do that anymore, I draw (cold) water ahead of time so it'll be room temp when I perform my water change.

-GB

[NanoDave]

The idea of using hot water might sound funny to some, but I remember I used to use part hot water in the winter to help bring up temp.

I used to do that too and my fishes loved it! (Especially since I don't use a heater in my tank :p ) But that was in Canberra.. now Im only always trying to make my tank colder :D

[silane]

Does anyone have any suggested brands of metal/copper test kits that I may find here in the U.S?


You can try to find Aquarium Pharmaceutical Copper Test Kits, since it is a USA product. It has only one reagent --- neat ! :thumbsup:

[NanoDave]

You can try to find Aquarium Pharmaceutical Copper Test Kits, since it is a USA product. It has only one reagent --- neat ! :thumbsup:

Next time help me test my tap water ok :p

[theguy418]

Great thanks for all the feedback. But, back to metals, how much can shrimp tolerate? I heard some people use plant fertilizers that contain some metals and copper very sparingly in their tanks and their shrimps survive? Does this mean shrimps have some tolerance, as long as its very little?

Hmm, newbies and their questions. Got to love it. :D
-TG

[silane]

Read this, it should give u an idea how much copper can your shrimps take:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NationalList/TAPReviews/cprsulfte.pdf

[Jane of Upton]

In a book by Diana Walstad, Ecology of the Planted Aquarium, she has an interesting table that compares metal toxicity standards. Tolerable amounts of Copper in ppm for Humans is 1.3, whereas in Fish it is 0.02! Humans can tolerate copper at levels 65 times what fish can tolerate! Plus, because copper is not considered toxic to humans, the "safe" level is based on taste and staining of porcelin. Here in the USA, Water deemed safe for human consumption by the state-run public safety departments could actually contain levels of copper (as well as other metals like Zinc) that are above the toxicity threshold to fish.

Given that invertebrates have even lower tolerances, I'd definitely get a copper test kit if you suspect your water may have high levels. GB's tip about always using COLD water is right on! I let my water run for a few minutes, and fill watering cans for my houseplants before I fill containers to sit overnight for my fish and shrimp tanks. Also, I use floating plants like Salvinia auriculata and Frogbit which are shown to absorb metals out of the water column. By removing and thinning them regularly, (and composting) I'm providing a one-way movement of metals OUT of my tanks, which hopefully offsets any influx from adding municipal water, even when conditioned.

-Jane