Copper & filter bed

[Aquamans Reef]

Does dosing copper affect the bacteria in the filter bed? Thanks Joe

[billsreef]

It does cause a temperary decrease in the bacterias activity till the bacteria adapt to it's presence.

[Aquamans Reef]

Will it be a decrease as to where I will get an ammonia spike? Thanks Bill

[billsreef]

Supposedly it will cause about a 20% decrease in filter activity. In practice I have yet to notice an ammonia spike due to adding copper to a well established FO system. If it is a new system you might want to watch closely and maybe cut back feeding quantities slightly.

[FMarini]

Hi:
I've also experienced a small increase in chems levels after dosing w/ copper.I suspct it interferes w/ some of the bacterias functioning, but doesn't stop them or kill them off. Supoposedly only slows them down. after the treatment is over and you've removed the copper your biofilter should be back up to full strength.
Makes me think....I'll have to do a quick search for copper effects on bacteria(somthing like heavy metal poisioning, or co-factor binding?)
Anyway its should n't be a problem
frank

[stagedperformance]

There is this stuff called NO-ICH made by Fish- Vet Inc that works great! It is reef safe (all corals and inverts) and also will not affect you bacteria colonies in the tank! It is great for ich as well as any of the other treatments copper is used for.

Hope this helps:)

Steve

[Terry B]

No-Ich only works if you are very lucky or you have misdiagnosed the ailment. Hyposalinity is the best treatment.
Terry B