Tank treated with Copper Safe

BigLar · 09-15-2001, 08:25 PM

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** · 09-15-2001, 09:16 PM

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 · 09-17-2001, 10:53 AM

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 · 09-23-2001, 01:51 AM

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 · 09-23-2001, 06:54 PM

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

09-15-2001, 08:25 PM	#1
BigLar Council Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: US, MI Posts: 289	Tank treated with Copper Safe 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? __________________ -BigLar

09-15-2001, 09:16 PM	#2
SPasse Moderator Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Forney Texas USA Posts: 2,298	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 __________________ Founding Member – Rocky Mountain Reef Club You can see my former reeftank at http://www.sdpasse.com

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09-17-2001, 10:53 AM	#3
RobG Council Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 288	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?

09-23-2001, 01:51 AM	#4
bbrook Just Moved In Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 31	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.

09-23-2001, 06:54 PM	#5
MEC Council Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Columbus Ohio USA Posts: 303	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

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