COPPERSAFE WARNING along with Research on Hanna Instruments High Range Copper Checker

Gareth elliott · Mar 27, 2018

HotRocks said:
They had never tested the high range model. They tested the low range model, I don't know exactly what caused them to determine the low range model was not accurate in the presence of seawater. The low range model measures in PPB instead of PPM. So wouldn't be a suitable range for us anyway.

I have no idea what the intended use for the tester in freshwater would be, as my assumption would be possibly someone who may treat ponds and such. Copper is widely used as an algecide in local ponds etc. Also as mentioned above possibly any water treatment facility.

Neither here nor there, @Hanna Instruments is testing this product currently for our type of use. Patiently we wait. I have done everything I can to make it fail, yet to find a way...

I use the low range a few times with ei dosing to see if i need to modify my dosing of plantex csm+b. The other ingredients are so hard to test for, that copper gives a good indicator knowing the composition of what i am adding and inducing the concentrations present of things like iron or manganese.

No idea if this is what it was meant for, but what i use it for lol.

HotRocks · Mar 27, 2018

Gareth elliott said:
I use the low range a few times with ei dosing to see if i need to modify my dosing of plantex csm+b. The other ingredients are so hard to test for, that copper gives a good indicator knowing the composition of what i am adding and inducing the concentrations present of things like iron or manganese.

No idea if this is what it was meant for, but what i use it for lol.

Is this a saltwater use? Just curious, and pardon me but your lingo is over my head! Lol

Gareth elliott · Mar 27, 2018

HotRocks said:
Is this a saltwater use? Just curious, and pardon me but your lingo is over my head! Lol

Ei is estimated index its a form of dosing in co2 injected planted aquaria.
The goal being to over dose slightly so there is always micro and macro nutrients available for plant growth. Followed with weekly heavy water changes.

HotRocks · Mar 27, 2018

Gareth elliott said:
Ei is estimated index its a form of dosing in co2 injected planted aquaria.
The goal being to over dose slightly so there is always micro and macro nutrients available for plant growth. Followed with weekly heavy water changes.

Makes sense, thanks for explaining.

wangspeed · Mar 27, 2018

I quietly put my order in on 3/20. Not such a huge issue for me that it’s backordered since my QT and display are all dry. Well, I don’t even have a QT yet just shelves

Gareth elliott · Mar 28, 2018

HotRocks said:
Makes sense, thanks for explaining.

No problem

deedubz · Mar 28, 2018

Tested my second qt this morning. I didn't think to take a pic but it read 1.81. I dosed 24ml into another 29g with ~28 gallons of water. API test led me to believe I was a little under 2ppm.

Man I love this thing.

HotRocks · Mar 28, 2018

dwwataz said:
Tested my second qt this morning. I didn't think to take a pic but it read 1.81. I dosed 24ml into another 29g with ~28 gallons of water. API test led me to believe I was a little under 2ppm.

Man I love this thing.

Good deal! I'm glad yourself and others are finding them to be consistent.

Excited for @Big G who I believe is supposed to get his today to give it a try!

Kyl · Mar 28, 2018

I'm keeping the water my blue star leopard was in, just to confirm. I think it was over 2, but I really struggle with that API kit. Going to make sure before it goes in the DT, even if in observation it looks fine.

Sashaka · Mar 28, 2018

Hotrocks or anyone who has been able to compare copper readings with both the Hanna high range copper checker and the API copper test kit, this question is for you.

My Hanna checker is still on back order, so I am still relying on the API copper test kit. The kit says to hold the beaker with solution "over" the color card and match the color in the beaker to the colored dots; however, how high one holds the beaker over the card, changes the color in the beaker significantly. What would you say is the correct height to hold the beaker "over" the color card?

Thank you!

HotRocks · Mar 28, 2018

Sashaka said:
Hotrocks or anyone who has been able to compare copper readings with both the Hanna high range copper checker and the API copper test kit, this question is for you.

My Hanna checker is still on back order, so I am still relying on the API copper test kit. The kit says to hold the beaker with solution "over" the color card and match the color in the beaker to the colored dots; however, how high one holds the beaker over the card, changes the color in the beaker significantly. What would you say is the correct height to hold the beaker "over" the color card?

Thank you!

Hold it 1/4" to 1/2" above your card. Veiw in bright light or outside in natural daylight!

Sashaka · Mar 28, 2018

HotRocks said:
Hold it 1/4" to 1/2" above your card.

Wow, that far away? I think I know why I still have issues! I used to treat at the high end. I'd shoot for 2.5. After reading the threads here, I now aim for 2.0 copper. But, at this lower dose, I'm weak now because I hold the beaker close to the card. I'm off to add more copper now! Thanks!

Sashaka · Mar 28, 2018

Ok. I can relax. I checked both the 180gal and the 29gal where I am running CopperPower. While both seem a bit under 2.0, they're both over 1.0. I'll guess and put the number in between at about 1.5. I'll ramp up a little bit more tomorrow. Thanks for your help. I hate those color cards.

Big G · Mar 28, 2018

Ok folks, so I got my Hanna Checker High Range Copper. The API Copper Test Kit is not very accurate; It says I'm at 2.0 ppm of copper. Hanna says 2.80 ppm. And I've got copper sensitive fish in my QT: Puffer, Wrasse, Anthia. Not cool. Not cool at all. So even if you are being diligent, testing as you are dosing. You could be way over dosing. No wonder my wrasse is acting a bit cranky. Poor fish. Don't even get me started about the Coppersafe strength. It's way off. And yes, it was a newer bottle I bought about 6 months ago. Arrgh! :mad:

HotRocks · Mar 28, 2018

Big G said:
Ok folks, so I got my Hanna Checker High Range Copper. The API Copper Test Kit is not very accurate; It says I'm at 2.0 ppm of copper. Hanna says 2.80 ppm. And I've got copper sensitive fish in my QT: Puffer, Wrasse, Anthia. Not cool. Not cool at all. So even if you are being diligent, testing as you are dosing. You could be way over dosing. No wonder my wrasse is acting a bit cranky. Poor fish. Don't even get me started about the Coppersafe strength. It's way off. And yes, it was a newer bottle I bought about 6 months ago. Arrgh! :mad:

I think most people will find they read the test too low! Once you have the digital reading, and take a peek at visual test. It's easy to say yeah, I'd put that there. The problem with API IMO is that there is such a minute difference in color between 2.0-4.0ppm, that once your past 2.0 it's hard telling what level you are at.

NY_Caveman · Mar 28, 2018

HotRocks said:
I think most people will find they read the test too low! Once you have the digital reading, and take a peek at visual test. It's easy to say yeah, I'd put that there. The problem with API IMO is that there is such a minute difference in color between 2.0-4.0ppm, that once your past 2.0 it's hard telling what level you are at.

When I have had this issue with API on any test kit I would switch from 5ml to 10ml of sample and use the same amount of reagent. Then, when I read the result, I double it. For most API tests I have found this works to get the color result in a range I can read.

Big G · Mar 28, 2018

HotRocks said:
I think most people will find they read the test too low! Once you have the digital reading, and take a peek at visual test. It's easy to say yeah, I'd put that there. The problem with API IMO is that there is such a minute difference in color between 2.0-4.0ppm, that once your past 2.0 it's hard telling what level you are at.

Actually I miss spoke above, my reading of the API Copper Test was actually a bit under 2.0 as I was dosing copper sensitive fish and I was trying to land somewhere between 1.75 - 2.o ppm. So it's off by almost 1.0 ppm in accuracy to my eye. As always it's very subjective and other's readings and results can vary.

The Hanna probably saved some fish tonight in my tank. I know my cranky wrasse will appreciate it. That's a very good thing. Thanks and kudos to @HotRocks and @4FordFamily for bringing this into focus. Nice work boys. Nice work.

HotRocks · Mar 28, 2018

Update on my experiment with QT:

So since @4FordFamily amd I made the video with my level of .23ppm, I had a few fish arrive etc. So some water was removed, then re topped off with new saltwater +/-5 gallons. I am low enough on reagents at this point that I didn't want to waste one on the base line

I am guessing it was somewhere between .19-.20ppm. Just based on the math and amount of water replaced

I have been dosing copper power at 6ml per day. 3ml in am, 3ml in pm. Started yesterday morning.
6ml copper power is .25ppm when dosed into my 40B.

Test after Day 1 6ml or add .25ppm
Target .44ppm (base .19ppm+.25ppm dose)
Result. .45ppm