Fish in aquariums are often at risk of getting parasitic infections. This usually happens when natural waste products accumulate in an aquarium, which leads to the rise of ammonia levels. The ammonia encourages the growth of parasitic algae. Before you know it, your aquarium is filled with parasites that cling to your pet fish and corals and steal away the nutrients intended for them.

To stop this from happening, you should maintain the presence of copper in your aquarium at healthy levels. Copper is an element known to effectively combat against parasites, so to have it in your aquarium is a good idea. However, too much copper can be dangerous to invertebrates like shrimps, snails, crayfish and corals. Thus, it`s very important that copper levels are closely monitored so that your tank doesn`t have too much or too little of it. To monitor the copper levels in your tank, use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater/Saltwater Copper Test Kit from Pet Store. Each kit allows for 90 tests, so you`ll be able to use it for a long time.

This kit works by reading the total copper level in ppm. The results can be interpreted with the help of a color chart that comes along with the kit. It can be used for either saltwater or freshwater tanks.

Test reads 0 to 4 mg/L or parts per million (ppm) of copper. Helps to maintain a healthy aquarium or pond for fish by ensuring that copper (a common treatment for many parisitic infections) levels are within the healthy range. Test kit of 90 tests.

Importance of Testing for Copper
Copper is often used to treat many parasitic infections on fresh and saltwater fish. To be effective, the copper concentration in the aquarium must be maintained at the therapeutic level for several weeks. Frequent testing is required to monitor the copper level in the aquarium. Some fish species are very sensitive to copper treatments. Therefore, follow the copper treatment manufacturer’s directions carefully.

Copper should not be used or evident in aquariums with invertebrates, including snails, shrimp, crayfish and corals, as well as in freshwater aquariums or ponds with plants. Tap water may contain copper leached from pipes and, ultimately, it can accumulate in the aquarium.

Testing Tips
The Copper Test Kit reads the total copper level in parts per million (ppm) which are equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L) from 0 ppm (mg/L) to 4.0 ppm (mg/L). The Copper Test Kit works in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The color chart provided with this test kit should be used to test for copper levels in fresh and saltwater aquariums and ponds.

Directions for Testing Copper Levels:

• Read thoroughly before testing. Do not allow Test Solution to get into aquarium.
• To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.
• Fill a clean test tube with 5 ml of water to be tested (to the line on the tube).
• Add 10 drops of Copper Test Solution, holding dropper bottle upside down in a completely vertical position to assure uniformity of drops added to the water sample.
• Cap the test tube and shake the tube for 5 seconds. Do not hold finger over the open end of the tube, as this may affect test results.
• Wait one minute for the color to develop.
• Remove the cap. Hold the test tube upright over the white area on the color chart and view the color of the solution by looking down from above (through the tube from top to bottom). Compare the color of the sample with the printed colors. Even a very faint color indicates the presence of copper.
• The closest color match on the Copper Test Color Chart indicates the total ppm (mg/L) of total copper (free and chelated) in the water sample. Rinse the test tube with clean water after each use.

What the Results Mean
This kit measures the concentration of both free and chelated copper. Chelated copper compounds are very stable and will remain in solution for long periods of time. Free copper levels will decline rapidly and must be tested daily. If using copper as a medication, maintain the copper level recommended on the product label.

Reducing Copper Levels
To reduce the copper level, first conduct a partial water change and then add Bio-Chem Zorb®, (a combination of scavenger resins, ion exchange resins, and carbon adsorbents in a convenient pouch), to completely remove any residual copper left in the aquarium. If copper comes into the aquarium from your tap water, use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter to remove all unwanted copper ions before adding water to your aquarium.

CAUTION:

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Eye contact: gently flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lens, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing.
• Skin contact: wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• If swallowed, contact a physician or Poison Control Center immediately.