Quarantine Tank Question

[swisha]

Is there any use for a quarantine tank that was used and treated for 4 weeks with Mardel CopperSafe? I know that Copper treated tanks are usually only able to be quarantine tanks because inverts and corals are sensitive to the Copper. Is there any way to treat the tank for other uses? i.e. sump, fuge for an established tank?

[IPowderBlueTang]

Once copper is added to a tank I would not use it for anything else, unless you can get the copper out of the silicone or it will release copper into your main tank if used as a sump or fuge.

[bureau13]

Are you completely done adding fish to your tank forever? I'd keep it around for QT purposes, chances are you will need it again.

jds

[Randall_James]

I have a tank that I tested this on and although the silicone was discolored, a powerhead and 2 weeks time still showed 0 copper in the test.

This tank was washed and scrubbed with a mild acid solution prior to this informal unscientific test.

[bureau13]

I guess my biggest problem with the concept of using a former QT w/ copper as a sump is that the cost of most of these tanks (I'm assuming a "standard-sized QT" of 10-30 gallons) are just so cheap to buy new that its not worth the risk. Who knows if there are any long term effects of copper slowly leaching out that won't show up on a test like this?

jds

[Steven Pro]

I have placed inverts in tanks numerous times that were treated with copper and saw no ill affects. I would not worry about it.