Marine ich (Cryptocaryon Irritans) is a very common problem that has been dealt with by most of us in the marine aquarium hobby time and time again. These parasites can spread quickly, breed readily and pose a huge threat to our marine aquarium fish. While such parasites are not lethal in the wild, they can easily wipe out our livestock within weeks.
Most of us in the hobby are very used to seeing a variety of test kits by now. We have the basic Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite test kits along with others including Magnesium and Calcium. Perhaps some of you have been wondering why there are copper test kits available as well. Here is why.
Copper is commonly used as an anti parasite medication in the marine aquarium hobby. It is extremely effective against all invertebrates including marine ich and marine velvet parasites that we deal with from time to time. It is also very toxic to all life forms. In the pond industry, they are commonly used as algaecides where they not only destroy their intended target (phytoplankton) but they wipe out the flora and fauna associated with a thriving pond ecosystem.
This is exactly why copper treatments should only take place in a quarantine tank of your choice. Ensure the water quality is similar with regards to temperatures and PH to lessen stress to the treated fish as much as possible. Copper is never treated in the main display tank as it lethal to any corals, crustaceans along with the tiny organisms (copepods, amphipods, worms etc) commonly found in an established reef tank.
To use copper effectively, we need to get the dosage right. If we use too much, the fish may begin to suffer. But if too little is used, its effectiveness is lessened as well. Maintain a level of 0.3 ppm in the quarantine tank when treating for marine ich. Any higher and it may be dangerous for the fish. Generally a range of about 0.25 to 0.3 ppm should be alright. Below 0.2 ppm and the treatment may not work.
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