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AquaTru ® Copper Ion Test Kit
0.05 - .25 mg/L (ppm)

Kordon's AquaTru Test Kits were designed for accuracy with several important criteria in mind:
1-Dry,stable reagents
2-Dated reagents
3-Accurate, translucent color comparators
4-Comprehensive instructions
5-Measurement ranges that are correct for aquarium use.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
AquaTru Water Quality Test Kits pioneered the use of dry reagents for use in aquarium water testing. The major advantage of dry reagents is in their shelf life. Dry reagents are more stable than liquid reagents, which means the aquarist can perform tests with the confidence of knowing the results will be as accurate as possible when using a "colorimetric" type test. Kordon also dates their reagents. All manufacturer's reagents, whether dry or liquid, are subject to degradation. Because the reagent chemicals break down over time, it is important to know the age of the reagents and their expected life.

Copper Ion (free copper) is widely used for the treatment of two serious marine protozoan parasites, Oodinium ocellatum and Cryptorcaryon irritans. Newly acquired fishes are often found to be infested with these parasites and must be treated to prevent mortality and the spread of the disease to other fishes in the aquarium. Copper has also been used, on a limited basis, for the control of external parasites of freshwater fishes in aquariums and ponds.

The toxicity of copper ion in low concentrations and the need to maintain the concentration within narrow therapeutic ranges,necessitates the need for monitoring the copper ion (free copper) concentration. KORDON'S Copper Ion Test Kit employs a sensitive chemical method which clearly determines low concentrations of copper ion in solution. Copper complexes such as chelated coppers can not be properly determined by this test kit. Chelated copper can be tested by using the AquaTru Chelated Copper Test Kit, product code no. 35960.

1. The Copper Ion Test Kit is selective for copper ion.
2. Readings of copper are direct, with no mathematical calculations required.
3. Graduations for concentrations are at small intervals to facilitate fast, accurate readings.
4. Highly stable powdered reagents, sealed in foil pillows and dated to insure freshness.
5. Easy-to-Use Kit: simple yet complete step-by-step instructions and explanations.

1. Rinse the color cube 2-3 times before collecting samples so that residual chemicals from previous tests do not interfere with results. It is suggested that tap water be used for the initial rinse so chemicals do not get into the water being sampled when the cube is dipped. Water being sampled should be used for final rinsings so that residual tap water won't affect the readings. Discard the rinse water each time so that residual chemicals are not poured into the aquarium or pond.
2. When collecting water samples, take care to obtain a representative sample. For example, collection near the bottom where organic compounds have accumulated can result in a higher reading. To check sampling techniques, two samples can be taken and tested; any variation in the results indicates that more care should be exercised when collecting samples. A recommended method is to (a) submerge the rinsed, capped cube to midwater, (b) open the cube and allow to fill, (c) cap while still submerged, and (d) drain water to correct level (discard excess).
3. Test the water sample immediately after collection. Time that elapses between water collection and analysis can affect test results.
4. When matching the test solution to the color comparator, use white paper as a background and read into normal daylight or incandescent light sources.

1. Before using copper ion medications, use this copper ion test kit to be sure that there are no ionic or chelated copper medications remaining in the water being tested (even if added months before). It is necessary to remove or at least reduce all ionic or complexed (chelated) copper in solution to below 0.05 mg/L before copper ion medication is used. The use of Kordon's NovAqua® will be of considerable help, although NovAqua is not as effective on chelated copper as it is on copper ion. Water changes are usually required to reduce the concentration of chelated copper to safe levels. Use this test kit to monitor your results before adding any copper medication.
2. Rinse the empty Copper Ion Test Cube 2-3 times before collecting the sample, so that residual chemicals from previous tests do not interfere with the results. It is suggested that tap water be used for the initial rinse, so that chemicals do not get into the aquarium or pond. Fill cube to the mark with water to be tested.
3. When collecting the water sample, take care to obtain a representative sample, preferably at mid-depth. Collection near the bottom where organic compounds have accumulated can result in higher readings. Collection at the surface can also give erroneous results, either higher or lower. To check sampling techniques, two samples can be taken and tested; any variation in the results indicates that more care should be exercised when collecting a sample. A recommended sampling method is to (a) submerge the rinsed, capped cube to mid-water, (b) open the cube and allow it to fill, (c) cap while still submerged, and (d) drain water to correct level (discard excess). Test the water sample immediately after collection.
4. Cut open one foil pillow marked COPPER RGT 1 PORPHYRIN and empty contents into the cube. Put cap on securely. DO NOT place finger over cube's sample cell unless the cap is in place. Shake cube until powder is dissolved.
5. Cut open one foil pillow marked COPPER RGT 2 PORPHYRIN, remove the cap on the cube and add contents to the cube. Replace the cap and shake cube until powder is dissolved. Wait one minute for the color to develop. Any yellow color indicates the presence of copper.
6. Match the color of the sample with the closest color in the cube. Read the amount of free copper ion present. For consistent accurate readings when making color comparisons, use white paper as a background and read into normal daylight or cool white fluorescent light sources. Flush reacted water sample down the drain. DO NOT return water to aquarium or pond.

There are advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of each type of copper solution. Copper compounds (i.e. copper sulfate) in solution results in the formation of ionized copper (free copper ions). The ionizing process is similar to the dissolving of salt (NaCl) in water and the formation of sodium and chloride ions. The major advantage of using free copper medications is that low concentrations will effectively eradicate specific protozoan parasites. Free copper is easily removed from solution, however, by adsorption and precipitation. Hence frequent additions and constant monitoring of the copper solution is necessary to maintain the proper concentration. Chelated coppers, on the other hand are very stable chemical complexes which resist adsorption and precipitation. The chelation process renders the complex much less toxic, both to the host (the fish) and the parasite. Chelated coppers are best used as a preventative measure, and not as a treatment for the eradication of moderate to severe infestations. Long term exposure to high concentrations of chelated coppers is not recommended because of the possibility of long term physiological damage.