CopperSafe as a Precaution?

MetalArm3

Should CopperSafe be added to tank water when weekly water changes are done for precautionary measures against Ich, Velvet, and other parasites?

Mikaila31

nope. Never use any medication long term, especially if you don't need it. Missuse and over-use is what makes meds loose their effectiveness

Byron

I agree with Mikaila, absolutely. This not only makes them less effective should something occur, but all medications do stress out fish to some degree no matter how "safe" they may be, and ironically this can cause health problems that otherwise would not occur.

MetalArm3

I was treating Ich from the fin nipping on my tetras with copper safe antibiotic and Maracyn. I was reading the pamphlet that they come with and it sounded like that were saying use coppersafe to kill any parasites before your fish are infected. It's good to know this isn't true because I haven't been doing that.
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Byron

I have CopperSafe, I have found it to be the best treatment for ich and velvet, and I suspect for other parasites. I checked the pamphlet and can't see where they recommend it regularly. That part about replacing it at water changes refers to treatments, they call it maintaining the therapeutic level; dosed once, it (supposedly) remains effective for a month, but weekly partial water changes would obviously dilute it so it needs to be added accordingly. But only if you are treating something. I treat for 2 weeks if I have a bad case of ich or velvet, after that I just continue with regular water changes and this removes it.

CopperSafe does affect plants if continued. I suspect it is the additional copper. I have found it is OK if I do not use nutrient fertilizers during the 2 week treatment, then the plants are fine.