How to determine whether shrimp is killed by copper?

[shaman]

How can I judge whether shrimp die because of failing to molt?
Thanks!

[retardo]

There isn't any true way to determine cause of death. None of us here are biologists and don't have the means to do "autopsies" on dead shrimp to truly figure out what was due to what. We only have our observations and the observations of others (and perhaps some scientific backing) to guide us. Not only that, but there are so many different things that can affect shrimp: water parameters (pH, KH, GH, Ca, Fe, Mg, NO3, NO2, O2, CO2, temp, etc.), planted v. non-planted, filtration (bio, mechanical, chemical), water source (well water, rain water, water treatment --chlorine v. chloramine v. none), causes of stress, plant fertilization, feeding cycle (how often, with what, and what are the ingredients... veggies v. flake v. pellets)... and so on... There are SO MANY variables we have to consider.

That is to say that when a shrimp dies, we don't truly know the cause. It's almost always best guess, except in extreme circumstances (e.g., OD on a fert).

[ganesha]

Aren't there any coppertests for freshwater? I have one for my saltwater aquarium.

[TKD]

Yes, there are freshwater test kits for copper.
I had my water tested for copper and it was found to be very high.

TKD

[NanoDave]

I think if you have copper pipes then copper will be high... me I use brass which is an alloy of copper+zinc.. i wonder if my copper is high. :huh:

[spinex]

I think if you have copper pipes then copper will be high... me I use brass which is an alloy of copper+zinc.. i wonder if my copper is high. :huh:

Go get a copper test kit :D

I just got myself a KH/GH and Ammonia test kit. Thinking of Nitrite or Nitrate test kit now ..

[theguy418]

I still never really understood Kh and GH. I need to read up more.
What do you do in the situation of high/dangerous copper levels? just simple water changes? I heard it leaks into your filters and leech out later out of nowhere. I saw something called Cuprisorb at the lfs. Any experiences?