Copper Sulfate / Cupramine
Active Ingredient: Copper Sulfate (Solfato di Rame) / Buffered Copper Amine Complex
Copper sulfate and buffered copper solutions (like Seachem Cupramine) are highly effective, traditional antiparasitic treatments used in both freshwater and marine aquariums. Copper works by binding to proteins and inhibiting essential enzymes in parasites. While highly effective, copper levels must be carefully monitored with test kits, as the line between the therapeutic dose and toxicity is very thin.
Indications
- Ectoparasites: Highly effective against Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), Freshwater Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Marine Velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum), and Freshwater Velvet (Oodinium).
- Trematodes: Helps suppress external flukes (monogeneans).
Dosage & Application
- Freshwater Target Level: 0.20 - 0.25 mg/L (ppm) of copper.
- Marine Target Level: 0.40 - 0.50 mg/L (ppm) of copper.
- Application: Slowly ramp up the dose over 48 hours to prevent shocking the fish. Maintain the therapeutic concentration for 14 to 28 days to cover the entire life cycle of the parasite. Test the copper level daily using a copper test kit.
Safety Notes
- Lethal to all invertebrates: Absolutely deadly for snails, shrimps, crabs, corals, anemones, and clams. Never use in a reef aquarium or a tank with decorative invertebrates.
- Copper can absorb into silicone sealant, gravel, and rockwork, and leach back into the water later, preventing future invertebrate keeping.
- Toxic to elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) and scaleless fish; use with extreme caution.
- Remove all chemical filtration media (active carbon, resins like Purigen) during treatment. Can be removed using Cuprisorb or active carbon filtration.
Leaflet Extract
Warning: Lethal to all invertebrates and elasmobranchs. Requires continuous monitoring with a copper test kit to maintain the therapeutic range (0.2-0.5 mg/L). Absorbs into calcareous rocks and gravel.
Chemical Data
Inorganic compound. Highly effective against ectoparasites by binding to parasitic proteins.
Safety Hazards (GHS)
- •Harmful if swallowed
- •Causes skin irritation
- •Causes serious eye irritation
- •Very toxic to aquatic life
Info
Active Ingredient
Copper Sulfate (Solfato di Rame) / Buffered Copper Amine Complex
Medicine Type
Chemical / Disinfectant