Copper And Copper Test Kit

[Twinklecaz]

Hi

So I got my Salifert Copper Test Kit today. The point being that I wanted to see if I can use my bathroom tap as opposed to the outside tap and stop having to lug buckets up the stairs.

Anyway, tested and I'm pleased to report that the cold tap came back clear and the hot has a slight showing, maybe 0.1. The thing is, I then read that it's suitable for water of a P.H 7.5 - 9. Well I tested that tap water and it's prob slighly under 7.4 on the normal Ph test (API). Do you think this still would have given me an accurate reading? How much copper is actually dangerous, ie can I use the hot tap or not?

Thanks.

 

[drobbyb]

Are you keeping invertebrates?

 

[Twinklecaz]

No just Platys and Honey Gouramis so far. Will have some Pygmy Corys soon hopefully though.

 

[drobbyb]

Those copper levels are low enough to use the hot tap safely.

 

[nurglespuss]

It doesn't matter whether you use the hot or cold tap, this is a myth.

 

[Twinklecaz]

How come my hot had copper and my cold didn't?

Thanks. Do you think my PH would have given me an incorrect reading? The thing is my Dad says our pipes ARE copper so I'm confused?

 

[PDSimon]

Cold doesn't normally have copper in. Hot does as it goes through more copper piping to get heated up, atleast thats what I assumed

most pipes are copper but normally hot water is stored in a big copper container

pH is incorrect if you test it right out of the tap as it has more c02. Leave it for 24 hours and test it, it should be more. mines 7.3ish out of the tap but 7.5 afterwards. c02 lowers the pH btw

Its a bit of a controversial subject but my hot tap has no copper in so I use it if need be... I wouldn't risk it if it had any copper in but thats me. Thats even if I didn't have shrimp, as they are sensitive to it more so.

 

[nurglespuss]

Yeah I would say either

A: the test needs to be redone (at same temp - i.e. heat the cold water, or preferably allow the hot watter to cool to the same as cold water - let both stand overnight) and then retest - this should give you more accurate results.

B: the test isnt very accurate (its not going to be, if its commercial).

Because: both results should be exactly the same, you just heating water from the same system, using the same pipes, theres no reason to have more copper from the hot or cold tap. Hence it being a myth.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Ah ok thanks.

Can someone tell me, if I DO end up with copper in my tank.....what are the syptoms with the fish?

 

[nurglespuss]

Well, copper occurs in natural waters, and sou would have to be present at a 'reasonably' high level to have much effect.

I've seen misguided fishkeepers using copper piping to construct spray bars and filtration systems (also in ponds) with no visible ill effect on the fish.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Thanks very much. No lugging for me this Sat then