TheFritz Copper Test Kitis a liquid test kit that measures bothfreeandchelatedcopper levels in saltwater and freshwater aquariums — the must-have tool any time you’re dosing chelated copper to treat marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), velvet (Amyloodinium), or other external parasites in a quarantine tank.
Pair this with our other water testing kits, medications, and maintenance & water care.
Why You Need a Copper Test Kit
- Therapeutic dosing window is narrow.Effective copper concentrations for ich/velvet sit between roughly1.5–2.5 ppmfor chelated formulations. Below that, the parasite survives; above that, the fish is at serious risk.
- Reads both free and chelated copper.Most standard hobby copper tests only show free Cu, which dramatically underreports the true therapeutic level when using chelated meds (Fritz CopperSafe, Seachem Cupramine, etc.).
- Track daily during ramp-up.When dosing toward therapeutic levels, test every 24 hours so you can adjust your dose precisely.
- Confirm baseline.Use it before returning fish from QT to a display tank to confirm copper has cleared.
How to Use
- Rinse the test vialthoroughly with tank water before each test.
- Fillwith the indicated volume of aquarium water from the affected tank.
- Add reagentper the included instructions and mix gently.
- Wait the recommended development time, then compare the color to the printed color chart in natural daylight or under a neutral white light.
- Record the readingand adjust your medication dose to stay within the therapeutic range your medication’s instructions specify.
Specifications
| Brand | Fritz Aquatics |
| Product | Copper Test Kit |
| Measures | Free & chelated copper (Cu) |
| Method | Liquid reagent + color comparison |
| Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Use Case | Quarantine / hospital tank treatments using chelated copper |
| Storage | Cool, dry place; keep reagents tightly capped |
Recommended Pairings
- Fritz Master Test Kit — complete water chemistry panel
- Fritz 6-in-1 Test Strips — fast daily water-quality screen
- Salifert Copper Test Kit — alternative copper reagent kit
- Browse all medications
- Browse all Fritz products
Important Cautions
- NEVER dose copper in a display reef tank.Copper is lethal to corals, all marine invertebrates (shrimp, snails, crabs), and live rock biofilms. Treat in a separate quarantine or hospital tank only.
- Copper binds to substrate, rock, and silicone over time.Once used in a tank, that tank should be considered a permanent QT — copper can leach back into water for years.
- Follow your medication’s exact target range.Different chelated copper products specify different therapeutic levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this test work with Fritz CopperSafe / Seachem Cupramine / Hikari Coppersafe?
Yes. This kit reads both free and chelated copper, which is exactly what those chelated copper medications require. Follow each medication’s specific target ppm range.
Can I use it in my display reef tank to check for copper contamination?
Yes — you can absolutely test display water for residual copper. But do NOT add copper to a reef tank; it will kill invertebrates and corals.
How often should I test during treatment?
At least once every 24 hours during the ramp-up to therapeutic levels, and every 2–3 days once a stable therapeutic concentration is confirmed. Always test before re-dosing.
How long does the kit last?
Each kit provides multiple tests; check the box for exact count. Stored properly (cool, dry, capped), reagents are typically usable for 1–2 years.
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