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Copper problems?

1046 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  Talnesa, 
T
Hoping to get some advice from those knowledgeable here. Haven’t had much success yet at the shrimp-keeping game. I’ve had a cycled 10 gallon, planted tank for about six months. Cherries and carbon rilis only, along with a somewhat largish population of ramshorn snails and two small apple snails. The snails are doing fine, but the shrimp have died off at a rate of a couple per week. I’ve restocked twice from two different breeders with the same result.

Death seem to occur a few days after a water change, which I do weekly (10%). All of my parameters are fine in terms of ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. Ph of 7.6, Kh of 5 & Gh of about 7 (maybe 8). I use Prime treated tap water for the changes. I did look up our water report & copper is at 1.3ppm. Could that be causing it? Dead shrimp appear fine. I’ve noticed some darkening of the cherries shells while alive but nothing else.

Any help would be appreciated!
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T

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
Oh, good questions!

Well, I might not be reading the report right - this is the first time I've looked at one of them, honestly. Here's a screenshot of it: Text Photograph White Style Line
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It does mention led as well, but didn't think that was an issue. My house is relatively newer - I don't think I have copper in the pipes, but I could be wrong. Which tests would you recommend for testing that? The API one or a human based one that includes more in terms of the different elements that may be in there?

Regarding diet, since it's an established tank, I only feed about three times a week. I vary between Aquatic Arts sinking pellets, Tetra Algae Wafers and zucchini. I never feed more than they can eat in two hours, and now it's even less since I have so few left.

I appreciate all of your help. :)
 
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Oh my. Yes, I was definitely reading that incorrectly then, and interesting to know that newer houses still contribute to things like that too. I'll look into getting one of those professional samples done - googled it now and they don't look prohibitively expensive.

In the meantime, thanks so much again. I think, while I wait, I might start with mixing in some RO water to see if it helps. I'm assuming it can't hurt, and at least try something while waiting.
 
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Having checking my plumbing, I think you may be correct. I'm waiting on the API copper test, which should be coming in today, so at least that will give me some indication of that. I had used water directly out of the tap with Prime added to it, but will absolutely try letting it run for 3-5 minutes before my next water change tomorrow.

I didn't mention it in the first posts, but I am using the Aqueon Plant and Shrimp aquarium substrate, so not sure what that would do if I added a remineralizer in...

And thanks Blue Ridge Reef for the encouragement. I'm definitely not going to give up; I'd just like not to kill the poor little guys if I can help it. :) I will cut back on the feeding as well and see if that helps.
 
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