Description
Overview
Seachem Cupramine is a copper-based treatment for external parasites of freshwater and marine aquarium fish. Available in 100 ml and 250 ml sizes, it requires careful dosing and copper testing throughout treatment. Select the required bottle size before ordering. Follow the current manufacturer's label and confirm suitability for the fish being treated before use.
Before Treatment
- Remove all invertebrates before treatment. Copper is not suitable for invertebrates, including shrimp, snails and corals.
- Turn off UV and ozone equipment and remove chemical filtration such as activated carbon and Purigen, as directed by the manufacturer.
- Do not combine with other medications.
- Do not use products containing reducing agents, including applicable water conditioners and ammonia binders, during Cupramine treatment.
- Use a copper test suitable for measuring Cupramine and check for existing copper, especially if the aquarium has previously received another copper treatment.
Listed Dosing Directions
The following summarizes the existing product directions. The current bottle label takes precedence.
- Marine aquariums: On day one, use 1 ml per 40 L (approximately 10.5 US gallons). Wait 48 hours, then repeat the dose as directed, testing copper before any further addition.
- Freshwater aquariums: Use half the marine dose.
- Dropper-cap bottles: The listed directions equate 20 drops to 1 ml. Do not assume this applies to a different dispenser.
- Listed final copper concentration: 0.5 mg/L for marine aquariums and 0.25 mg/L for freshwater aquariums.
- Maintain the directed treatment concentration for 14 days, following the label and copper-test results.
- Do not redose without testing. The original directions advise against exceeding 0.6 mg/L copper; this is not a target concentration.
Monitoring and Aftercare
Monitor copper concentration, water quality and fish behaviour throughout treatment. Complete the manufacturer-directed course rather than stopping solely because visible signs have disappeared. Seek qualified aquatic veterinary advice if diagnosis or species suitability is uncertain.
After treatment, remove copper using suitable activated carbon or copper-removal media according to the manufacturer's instructions. The listed directions recommend retaining the removal media for at least one week after copper tests reach zero. Confirm copper removal with suitable testing before considering the return of invertebrates; a single zero reading is not a guarantee of compatibility.
Storage and Precautions
For aquarium use only. Store according to the label, tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not exceed label directions or substitute dosing instructions for a different copper formulation.
