Tank treated with Copper Safe

[BigLar]

I have a 50 gal tank that used to be fresh water. The problem is that I had treated this tank with freshwater Copper Safe before. Can it still be used as a sump on a reef tank?

[SPasse]

BigLar,

Copper contamination is usually only an issue with permeable objects such as live rock and calcareous gravel.

With a bare tank, just rinse it out a couple of times with vinegar, followed by a couple of fresh water rinses, and you should have no problem.

Regards,

Scott Passe

[RobG]

Interesting -- I'd heard that once a tank had been treated with copper, it should never be used in the future for reef. I belive it was some of the people on this board that gave me the advice.

I've been considering using an old FW tank for a sump, but didn't because it may or may not have been treated w/ copper in the past...Anyone else want to weigh in?

[bbrook]

I have a 55 that was used for FW years ago. I used cooper in it and have never had a problem with my SW. I agree to rinse it well and dont use any stuff from the FW in your SW. Change all filter material also, carbon, media, etc.

[MEC]

I think people are just being safe when they say to never reuse these tanks. I think copper has to have something permeable as Spase suggests , in order to be a problem down the road. You should be OK using this tank IMO..........
Mike