Is it true if you use meds with copper in it,that it will hurt a saltwater tank?

Question

I haven`t set up my tank yet,saltwater tanks are so expensive from what I have checked into,the more I can find out about it before I do,maybe I won`t make so many mistakes,there is so much to learn!

Answer 1

There is very little call to use any meds at all on a salt water tank. Chances are if you are curing one thing you are killing everything else. Medication doesn't go into salt tanks. Things such as Kick Ich are reef safe but are highly expensive. Most Aquarists have a UV Steralizer to keep this from happening in the first place.

I have never used any meds other than kick ich, years ago, to treat anything in my tanks. email or im me and I will help you with all that I know and any problems you may have.

Salt tanks are only as expensive as you want them to be. You don't have to have all the fancy bells and whistles to have a healthy salt tank.

Answer 2

Invertebrates and SW bacteria are highly sensitive to copper-based medications, so if you have a problem, it's best to treat your fish in a separate quarantine tank.

A quarantine tank is a good preventative as well. Any "new" fish should be held in a separate tank with minimal living organisms for at least three weeks before adding it to your main tank. This lets it adjust to your water quality, start feeding, and allows time for any diseases/parasites to become evident. Fish are more tolerant than inverts & parasites, so you can have a lower salinity in the quarantine tank to help kill any disease organisms - a salinity of 1.020 - 1.023 is typical. A "freshwater dip" can also be used to treat fish instead of medicating immediately (depending on the nature of the problem).

The tank should have a filter, cover, and heater and either a rock "cave" or piece of PVC pipe big enough for your fish to hide in. I use some "fake" corals and anemones depending on the fish to provide more hiding places. Substrate can be used or not (personal preference).

Yes, there is a lot to know when starting a saltwater tank. A good book is almost a necessity. If you don't have one yet, I'd recommend looking into either "The New Marine Aquarium" Michael S. Paletta. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-52-1 or "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" Robert M. Fenner. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-02-5 - both of these were invaluable when I first strted keeping a marine tank. Good Luck!

Answer 3

In a word, yes. Most invertebrates are very sensitive to copper and will die just as fast as the disease you are trying to treat. Some saltwater fish are also very sensitive so I would avoid copper in a salt tank if at possible.

MM

Answer 4

www.saltwaterfish.com
go to the message boards and learn all you can.