Copper and filters

[john gill]

:1:

HI

When setting up a remote located sump or canister filtration systems is there and reason not to use copper tubing/pipe? The reason I ask this question is I have a system that has been going for over a year and up till recently it has been great. As of late I have been loosing fish, both long term residents and new replacements. All normal water tests are perfect and I am diligent with water changes (30% every 6 days). I have another tank set up the same way but has been only going for a few months so far no issue with the newer one.

The only thing I can think of that may be causing this problem is some sort of copper contamination that dose not show with normal testing.

This has been very frustrating and $ any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

gill

[Algenco]

Copper tubing should be avoided. Copper can be toxic at very low levels

[Tooch]

Copper tubing is very expensive. It's a possibility you're getting trace amounts of copper in your water. Small amounts of copper are deadly to fish, which is why you have to be very careful medicating, as many medicene's contain that element. I'm not sure if this would be the case though. Someone more knowledgeable will be along to help you out though! Hope it works out!

[john gill]

Copper tubing should be avoided. Copper can be toxic at very low levels

It just ocured to me that there has been one other change recently that I had forgoten, I eliminated charcol from my filters. That was most likly absorbing the trase copper. What a dope, I never gave it a thought thinking the water we drink is delived in copper pipe.

Short term put carbon back in the filters and then replace the copper lines with pvc. I though I was making a cool set up but its no good if it kills the fish. All this tubing is in the walls and will be a pain to replace. Well leson learned.

Thanks much

gill