Copper Power Calculator

What is Copper Power?

Copper Power (by Endich) is a chelated copper-based treatment used to control external parasites in aquariums, including Ich (White Spot Disease), Marine Velvet, and other protozoan infections. The standard dosage is 29.6 mL per 20 US gallons (75.7 L) to achieve a therapeutic concentration of 2.5 ppm.

How to Use This Calculator

• Aquarium volume: Enter your tank size in US gallons or liters
• Current copper level: Measure with a copper test kit (default 0 for new treatments)
• Target copper level: Select standard 2.5 ppm or adjust for sensitive fish
• Safety margin: Add extra volume for gradual introduction or to compensate for absorption
• Dosing approach: Split doses for safer, more gradual introduction

Understanding Copper Levels

• 2.5 ppm (Standard): Therapeutic level for most freshwater fish, effective against Ich and Velvet
• 2.0 ppm (Lower): May be sufficient for mild infections; less stress on sensitive fish
• 1.5 ppm (Sensitive): For scaleless fish (loaches, catfish) or during quarantine
• 1.0 ppm (Preventative): Low-level maintenance for new fish quarantine

Why Use This Calculator?

• ✅ Accurate dosing — Prevents under-dosing (ineffective) or over-dosing (toxic)
• ✅ Species safety — Adjust target levels based on fish sensitivity
• ✅ Split dosing — Reduces stress by spreading doses over time
• ✅ Volume conversion — Works with gallons or liters
• ✅ Safety margin — Accounts for substrate, decor, and filter absorption

Copper-Safe vs. Copper-Sensitive Fish

• Copper-safe: Most cichlids, tetras, barbs, gouramis, rainbowfish, livebearers
• Copper-sensitive: Scaleless fish (loaches, catfish, plecos), some tetras, discus, marine fish
• Avoid copper entirely: All invertebrates (snails, shrimp, crabs, crayfish), planted tanks

Treatment Protocol Tips

• 🔬 Use a reliable copper test kit (not test strips) to monitor levels daily
• 💧 Remove activated carbon and chemical filtration before dosing
• 🐟 Maintain therapeutic levels for 10-14 days for Ich, 14-21 days for Velvet
• ⚡ Perform water changes using the same copper concentration to avoid fluctuations
• 📊 After treatment, use activated carbon to remove copper gradually

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long should I keep copper in the tank? — Typically 10-14 days for Ich, longer for stubborn infections.
• Can I use copper in a planted tank? — No, copper is toxic to most aquatic plants.
• Will copper kill my beneficial bacteria? — Chelated copper like Copper Power is generally safe for biological filtration.
• What if my fish show signs of stress? — Reduce copper concentration slowly with water changes or use activated carbon.
• How often should I test copper levels? — Test daily, especially after water changes.