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AquaTru® Chelated Copper Test Kit
for Fresh and Salt Water (0.5 - 2.5 mg/L)

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 is the more potent and difficult to handle of these two treatments because it is much more toxic to organic organisms than chelated copper and its toxicity can be harmful to fishes if overdosed. Copper ion medication has to be introduced at extremely low levels of treatment (0.05-0.25 mg/L of copper ion as compared to 0.5-2.5 mg/L in chelated copper), making its concentration in the water more difficult to measure.

Chelated (complexed) copper is bound with a chelating agent such as EDTA or citrates. Compared to free copper medications, chelated copper resists adsorption and precipitation in aquaria and ponds. Because of its lowered toxicity, chelated copper must be used at much higher concentrations than free copper. Chelated copper (such as Kordon's Chelated Copper which is tightly bound with EDTA) is best used as a preventative measure for the control of protozoan parasites. Chelated Copper treatments are usually within the range of 0.25 - 2.5 mg/L for fishes. Long term exposure to high concentrations of chelated coppers is not recommended because of the possibility of long term physiological damage. For treatment of most moderate to severe parasitic infestations in fresh and salt water, a medication such as Kordon's Rid·Ich+ is recommended.

The two forms of copper, ion and chelated, require different test kits and reagents to measure. For free copper ion concentrations in water, which includes copper sulfate and citrate copper medications, use Kordon's Copper Ion Test Kit #35990. For chelated copper (including true chelated coppers and amine complexed coppers) use Kordon's Chelated Copper Test Kit #35960, which measures high range total copper.

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 higher readings. 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. Cut open one Chelated Copper Reagent Pillow marked "FREE COPPER" and empty contents into the cube. Put the cap on securely. Do not place your finger over the cube's sample cell unless the cap is in place. Shake cube until powder is dissolved. Allow 2 minutes for preliminary color development. A light purple color may develop at this stage.
2. Cut open one Chelated Copper Reagent Pillow marked " COPPER REDUC AGENT" , remove the cap on the cube and add contents to cube. Replace the cap and shake cube until powder is dissolved. Allow 2 minutes, but not more than 30 minutes, for complete color development.
3. Match the color of the sample to the closest color in the Test Cube by moving the sliding window up or down until both left and right windows match as close as possible. Read the amount of complexed Copper present from the scale. For consistent accurate readings when making 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.

If you are using this kit to monitor chelated copper levels that have been added through the use of a commercially prepared copper medication and you do not get the expected reading, do not continue to add additional copper medication until you find the cause of the discrepancy. Re-read your instructions and follow them carefully. Even though the reagents may be within their dating, outside conditions may affect their accuracy. Check the reagents against a known standard, such as Kordon's Water Test Standard for copper (item no. 36070). If the reagents check out, check the medication.

Powder reagent pillows: 10 ea. Free Copper pillows and 10 ea. Copper Reduc Agent pillows
A Color comparator that reads .05 - .25 mg/L (ppm) for saltwater and freshwater. Detailed instructions are included in each kit.