I have been asked innumerable times to further clarify treatment regimens utilizing copper based medications.
Currently there are three types of Copper available to the aquarist:
(1) Copper Sulfate - A suspension solution of copper salts.
(2) Complexed Copper - A copper medication bound to some chemical agent, that keeps it in solution, so it remains effective longer. Examples of this are primaily Cupramine� by SeaChem Labs� .
(3) Chelated Copper - A copper medication bound to a chelating agent (EDTA or citrates), used at strengths generally 10 times higher then Copper Sulfate, or Complexed Coppers. Examples of this are CopperSafe� by Mardel Labs� and Kordon's� Chelated Copper�.
What is generally missing from all these copper regimens, is the expressed and clear instructions as to the need for constant monitoring of copper levels, and the appropriate test kits for the three types of copper. Each requires its own kit expressly made for its own unique formulation. One CANNOT use a copper test kit not specifically made for that brand or type, and expect good results.
Copper Sulfate can ONLY be used in a bare tank, without any calcerous materials whatsoever. The Ions that makes copper effective, will quickly attach (bind) themselves to calcerous materials, and rapidly become ineffective, for treatment purposes. Secondly, Ionic copper is the most deadly, and MUST be carefuly monitored by a test kit specifically designed for its use. Because of the need for maintaining biological processes in the treatment of all fish, the difficulties in measuring accurate levels, and the narrow treatment concentrations of its use, Ionic Copper is not recommended.
This leads one to the second type of Copper, Complexed Copper. The prime example is Cupramine� by SeaChem Labs. Now this copper is used at strengths between .25 and .35 ppm, according to the manufacturer and treatment durations of 3 weeks. This is wholly inadequate, as far as Cryptocaryon irritans is concerned because differing strains are known to exist, that can withstand copper treatments for up to 4 weeks or even more! The same problem exists with complexed coppers, but not quite to the same extent as ionic copper, that is the absorption by calcerous substances. This means that monitoring is essential, within the first hour and 24 hours thereafter. There is another complication with complexed coppers. Except for a colormetric type monitoring device made by Hach�, no reliable and consistent test kit is available for monitoring copper levels, and since copper is a deadly toxin, its imperative that one monitors the copper level judiciously. SeaChem does state that it has a copper test kit, however, its not readily available, even from those who sell the product. This is according to the information I currently have.
This leads us to the third group of copper medications, the Chelated types. Currently, two manufacturers call their copper Chelated. One is Mardel's� CopperSafe� and the other is Kordon's� Chelated Copper�. Here's where the confusion begins. Now Kordon's makes an excellent Copper Test Kit for Chelated Copper, its scale starts at 0.5 ppm in a color comparison graduated scale unit, in 0.5 units, up to 2.5 ppm. Yet, its instructions say, for its own brand of Chelated Copper, that effective strengths are between 0.25 and 0.35 ppm, same as complexed copper, and therefore, its Chelated Copper Test kit is USELESS with its own Copper! In my experience, the most effective and safest copper medication is CopperSafe� by MardelLabs� Used exactly as directed, with dosage for the net gallonage of the tank, and monitored with my favorite, Kordons�Chelated Copper Test kit, with concentrations between 2.0 and 2.5 ppm, checked on a 24 hour basis, for 4 weeks minimum, I have had 100% success with complete eradication and minimum losses. I have previously outlined my preferred regimen in an earlier segment.
In correspondence with other aquarists, the general failure of all the manufacturers to give adequate and thorough instructions, and to make available reliable and accurate copper test kits for the specific copper used, is wholly lacking. This might account for either early deaths or many of the failures reported. It is imperative that adequate and accurate monitoring of copper levels be made, with a copper test kit specifically designed for the type of copper chosen, without which, does lead to less then satisfactory results, in many cases. Maybe this situation will change, if enough aquarists make demands on the manufacturers.
As with all copper based medications, it cannot be used with invertebrates, nor liverock and/or livesand filterations systems. Once put into a tank, invertebrates cannot be introduced, unless the tank is thoroughly cleaned out, all calcerous materials are replaced and all new water is added.