Copper

[jratuszn]

Why is it that copper, and metals in general, are avoided like the plague in aquariums? I understand that it is toxic to fish, but on the other hand, my house and every house I've ever been in has copper pipes for the water supply. I really doubt everyone except me uses an R/O setup, so what's the deal?

Just Curious,

-Jeff

 

[justDIY]

copper is toxic to most fish, reptiles and plants, but strangely, most mammals can withstand huge amounts of it with little ill effect.

so, since we can tolerate copper better than lead or even iron, most plumbing today is either copper or plastic, rather than iron (steel) or lead pipes.

most of your water conditioners chemicals for aquaria contain chelating agents which bind to heavy metals like copper, iron, etc... making the water 'safe'