copper test kits API measurement scale

[treesprite]

I had to get a new copper test kit because my Marine Enterprises one is like about 8 years old. The only thing that was readily available was API test kit. The problem is that the measurement scale on the new API one is in .25ppm increments starting at zero then .25ppm. As far as I have ever known, that is too high of a starting point for copper testing, which means having a scale like that is useless.

 

I got the API kit before I used the copper, but added the copper before knowning that I wouldn't be able to get an accurate measurement. I have no clue how much copper is in the QT now sort of it being the color that says 0ppm (which is pale yellow, not clear), when I know for a fact that it isn't.

 

Has any used this API test kit that has any clue to give me on measurement given the uselessness of the way the scale is that it gives? Either that, or do people think the ME one would still be ok? (It's scale goes .05, .15, .3 ...). I need to know asap.

 

Thanks.

Edited December 14, 2008 by treesprite

[treesprite]

No one has advice or information?

[treesprite]

Still need some help. I can't use the copper if I can't be sure how much is in the tank, and I don't want the fish to end up dead.

[Highland Reefer]

Try this:

 

"The Salifert Copper Test Kit is quicker and easier to use. However, it goes from 0.5 ppm copper indicator straight to 1.0 ppm copper (with no in between comparison color/shading), then the next color is greater than 2. ppm. Cupramine is best used between 0.3 and 0.8 ppm. So this scale doesn't give you much information. You can use Cupramine very effectively at 0.5, though 0.6 ppm is preferred for the 'tougher fishes.' For sharks, angelfishes, etc. 0.3 to 0.5 ppm would be preferred, in my opinion. There is a way around this test kit situation.

 

If you prepare freshly made up saltwater (like you were doing a water change) and test that for copper, you can then use that to dilute your tank sample water for the Salifert Copper test, remembering to account for any copper reading of the freshly prepared water. Thus, you can get the relative accuracy you need from the Salifert Copper Test Kit reference colors. (Just remember to calculate the copper concentration reading by the dilution factor).

 

NOTE: In the case of using Cupramine, the manufacturer, Seachem recommends that at first the amount added is half the final dose. Then later the rest is added to bring the concentration to 0.5ppm. FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS. Adding half dose allows the fish to acclimate to the addition of copper. After the second dose totally mixes in, then start the testing for copper."

 

 

Copper - Treatment, Use, Problems: http://www.reefland.com/forum/marine-fish-...e-problems.html

Edited December 15, 2008 by Highland Reefer

[treesprite]

Funny... I read that post on that forum before, just wan't enough info.

 

I stopped using the copper yesterday. My percula is eating now and looking better. The tang has a bulged eye from I believe the copper interactions with water chemistry - f it's still that bad tomorrow, I'll have to try some epsom salt. The tang eats like a pig. It has something white on its one fin which I am thinking might be lymphocystis which will only get better in its own time but isn't usually dangerous.

 

I would prefer not using teh copper again unless I trully have a test kit that I trust. The old Marine Enterprises one was just giving a zero reading when the API one was not, so I'm assuming it is just way too old; I wish I could find another one of those. Years ago I also had a copper test kit that used little powder packets and a plastic container in which a hard plastic color key strip would go... complicated to use but worked.