using coppersafe

[rdelbalso]

I have a 20g with a rainbow shark, pictus cat and 3 tiger barbs. it appears they have been infected with ich from one of the barbs. I just bought some coppersafe and put in the recommended dosage, but am unsure about the directions. it does not say to repeat dosage for a time period, but indicates the copper does not come out of the water. it does say at water changes to add an amount equal to the equivalent amount that you withdrew and continue this for a month. Is this a correct interpretation? i remember when i used a formalin medication in my other tank i had to add it everyday. should i do this with the coppersafe or not?

[Manix]

As the name implys, Coppersafe has copper in it. Too much copper in your tank can be unhealthy for your fish, much like too much of ANYTHING can be bad...
The only way to remove the copper from your tank is to do water changes. So, to answer your question, yes, you interpreted the directions correctly. I believe there are tests for copper levels on the market, if you would like to keep a closer check on how much copper is going into you tank.

hth

[wetmanNY]

More about copper in freshwater at www.skepticalaquarist.com in the Health/Disease folder under Medications.