Copper & Urchin?

Harpo · 12-17-2003, 09:25 PM

Was wondering, how long does copper stay at deadly levels for inverts? It has been several months, and tons of water changes since we had to treat our FOWLR. Also anyone have experiance with urchins around triggers & wrasses? I think I know the answer but had to ask.

Bill

cyberchef · 12-17-2003, 11:34 PM

I've never seen them together in person, but I have seen film footage of a trigger fish using the spines of a urchin to flip it over to make it lunch.

The copper can last a long time in the tank. It can also bond/impregnate to the glass and silicone making it even harder to get it back out. Thats why they don't recomend using a tank that has been treated with Copper for a reef tank, no matter how long it's been.

Harpo · 12-18-2003, 10:09 AM

About what I figured, thought it would be nice if we could safely place a couple urchins or starfisf in this FOWLR, but I don't see it happening.
Thanks Bill

Geoff · 12-18-2003, 10:23 AM

you could prolly get a couple of stomatella snails from a LFS near you for free to test for copper. another thing to try is get a new piece of LR and see if you have pods growing again.

G~

Harpo · 12-18-2003, 09:44 PM

See, that's why I hire you people, you always have great ideas (LOL) thanks.

Bill

Harpo · 12-19-2003, 12:23 PM

I just finished cleaning my skimmer and changing filter socks, on th FO. tank. I took the sock and turned it inside out for cleaning, when iI noticed a large population of living amphipods inside it. Does this serve as any kind of copper level indicator?

Bill

Geoff · 12-19-2003, 12:47 PM

crustaceans can handle higher copper concentrations than the soft bodied critters, but it is a good start.

G~

Harpo · 12-19-2003, 01:11 PM

OK, I guess no cause to bring out the band yet.

Bill