Copper... Myth or fact ?

[suliaman007]

Does glass, plastic, acrylic or any other material absorb copper, making it not reef safe? I just bought a tank and I am not sure if the previous owner used copper in it. I don’t want to kill all my coral and inverts after the transfer.
Thanks

[bertoni]

Cleaning it with some vinegar should remove any copper deposits. Copper can adsorb onto the tank and equipment, but the quantity might be too small to be harmful. I'd clean it, just for peace of mind, if nothing else.

[suliaman007]

thanks, what about copper in used with live sand? would that ls be ok to use?

[bertoni]

No, I'd pitch live sand. It won't be very live anyway. Live rock is also an issue, and I'd either pitch the rock or perhaps try an acid bath.

[drosen]

I believe the issue is that Copper is absorbed by the silicone aquarium sealant in glass aquariums and can not be removed by any means.

[Icefire]

It's just a myth, the silicone won't absorb the copper and if some get in, after a good wash, you'll have ppb, a **** in the ocean really.

In the live rock/sand, it's different as the rock are porous (calcium carbonate)

[bertoni]

I agree that sealant is not an issue.

[Mark426]

myth

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree, but anything made of calcium carbonate or with deposits of calcium carbonate or organic detritus may contain a lot of copper.