Dropped somthing In tank !

HDFATB · #1 12/03/2007, 01:38 PM

Quick question working on my new 350g system I was wiring some cooling fans and dropped a 1/8"x 1/8" piece of copper wire In tank.
My sand bed Is 4" deep and there Is 250lbs of rock It Is like finding a needle In a hay stack. what do you think If any will be the long term affects.

griss · #2 12/03/2007, 03:24 PM

[moved]

ryan_paskadi · #3 12/03/2007, 03:31 PM

copper will kill inverts....get it out at all costs.

LobsterOfJustice · #4 12/03/2007, 03:42 PM

Yikes. That has got to come out asap or you will not be able to keep any invertebrates in the tank.

Engine 7 · #5 12/03/2007, 04:18 PM

OMG, thats a nightmare. Good luck.

yoboyjdizz · #6 12/03/2007, 04:33 PM

Take everything out until you find it. Sooner the better!

Gdevine · #7 12/03/2007, 04:35 PM

What everyone said ... it must come out. You have no choice as you'll lose everything in the tank anyway. Getting it out now is far less extreem then the end result if not.

dcombs44 · #8 12/03/2007, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gdevine
What everyone said ... it must come out. You have no choice as you'll lose everything in the tank anyway. Getting it out now is far less extreem then the end result if not.

It shouldn't have too many ill effects on the fish as many quarantines are treated with copper supplements, but I would fear the worst for the inverts as many have mentioned. Unfortunately, your sand bed may have to be sifted with a fine toothed comb to find it. Sorry, and best of luck.

Macimage · #9 12/03/2007, 09:35 PM

If there is no water in your tank, you could try running a magnet through your sand to help find it.

As others have mentioned, you need to get it out.

Good Luck!
Joyce

droptine11 · #10 12/03/2007, 09:41 PM

Copper isn't magnetic.

frank arriaga · #11 12/03/2007, 09:50 PM

yes get it out now.better than later.good luck

yellowwatchmen · #12 12/03/2007, 09:59 PM

good luck. lesson learned the hard way.

HDFATB · #13 12/04/2007, 08:21 AM

Thanks for all the replies.

I knew what had to be done from the beginning but I was hoping that someone would say It was not a big deal.

I drained all 350g of water I removed 250lbs live rock and examined It then I sifted 240lbs of sand through a tea strainer and I found nothing.

mille239 · #14 12/04/2007, 08:56 AM

Well I'm no expert, but i wouldn't think a 1/8" piece of copper is going to do much in a system of 350 gallons... with that being said I don't know how much would leach into your system from such a small piece, but I would think it wouldn't affect the system. here is what I would do: run carbon 24/7 and change it out monthly. While doing this, try a few inexpensive inverts, like snails, hermits, maybe even a peppermint shrimp or two. if they fare well for a couple months, than I would think you should be in the clear. It's a good thing to stock the tank slowly and let it age anyways, so you are benifiting the long term success of your reef by going slowly. Maybe try a small xinia colony on a rock as well (just keep it under check or it can take over and spread).
keep us posted.