Copper

justsunnie · 03-07-2007, 03:59 PM

Is it possible to ever get the copper out of an empty previously fish-only tank, or does it have to remain a fish-only tank forever?

There's a 45 gallon bowfront at my parents house that has been emptied of its contents, and they've offered to let me have it. Problem is, it was a freshwater tank that I'm sure had been treated for ich at some point.

I'm just wondering if it's worth the trouble. I would love a reef tank of that size in my living room!

SubRosa · 03-07-2007, 04:02 PM

The glass itself will not retain copper,but the silicone sealer can.If you carefully remove the bead of silicone on every seam and install new,you will have no problem.Just be sure not to move the tank until the new silicone is cured or you could cause a leak.

BoomerD · 03-07-2007, 04:23 PM

IME, you can use the tank after it's been coppered with no ill effects. MAYBE the silicone will retain copper and leach it back into the tank, but it was never my experience. As long as you clean the tank well, (IMO) it will be fine...

justsunnie · 03-07-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoomerD

IME, you can use the tank after it's been coppered with no ill effects. MAYBE the silicone will retain copper and leach it back into the tank, but it was never my experience. As long as you clean the tank well, (IMO) it will be fine...

How did you clean the tank? Any big dos and don'ts on that end?

I don't know if I trust myself to reseal the tank...I could probably find someone to do it for me though, if worst comes to worst.

Reefreak · 03-07-2007, 07:41 PM

You can clean the tank with a water vinegar mix and rinse well.
Also copper is seldom used in the treatment of freshwater ich, it can be but its rarely the treatment of choice.

I agree with BoomerD even if it was treated with copper it would be fine.

03-07-2007, 03:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
justsunnie Ricordea Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 191 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Copper Is it possible to ever get the copper out of an empty previously fish-only tank, or does it have to remain a fish-only tank forever? There's a 45 gallon bowfront at my parents house that has been emptied of its contents, and they've offered to let me have it. Problem is, it was a freshwater tank that I'm sure had been treated for ich at some point. I'm just wondering if it's worth the trouble. I would love a reef tank of that size in my living room!

03-07-2007, 04:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
SubRosa Torch coral Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 563 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Copper The glass itself will not retain copper,but the silicone sealer can.If you carefully remove the bead of silicone on every seam and install new,you will have no problem.Just be sure not to move the tank until the new silicone is cured or you could cause a leak.

03-07-2007, 04:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,638 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Copper IME, you can use the tank after it's been coppered with no ill effects. MAYBE the silicone will retain copper and leach it back into the tank, but it was never my experience. As long as you clean the tank well, (IMO) it will be fine... __________________ Intelligence is not knowing all the answers, but knowing where and how to find them! www.google.com

03-07-2007, 07:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
Reefreak Ricordea Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 186 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Copper You can clean the tank with a water vinegar mix and rinse well. Also copper is seldom used in the treatment of freshwater ich, it can be but its rarely the treatment of choice. I agree with BoomerD even if it was treated with copper it would be fine. __________________ Shaun I have learned something new in this hobby every day since 1978 Only to discover I could be wrong!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)