First of all, it needs to be understood that, like other heavy metals, Copper is a bio-accumulate. The acute and chronic toxicity levels vary from organism to organism and from specie to specie. Anyone that has ever used Copper Sulphate for algae control knows just how delicate and precise the application must be to prevent a fish kill. To address the toxicity levels of each specie would require too much space on this Forum, but to give an example: Nitrifying bacteria, in particular Nitrosomonas europea is affected by very low levels of Copper. At levels as low as 0.20 ppm Copper, Nitrite conversion is reduced by 60%. In any earthen bottom pond there is usually a background level of Copper. This should be taken into account. Testing Copper levels would be advisable along with Hardness for, ironically, Copper is MORE toxic in soft water.
My Blog post on ionizers covers the Copper question in more detail.
http://ripplesinc.blogspot.com/2011/12/are-pond-ionizers-safe-you-be-judge.html
As to the Copper pipe question, the answer will depend on the pH and flow rate of the water passing through.
Originally Posted By: Kelly Duffie
Originally Posted By: Instar
If any of the water originating from the house is coming through Copper piping, this could also cause potential problems as heavy metals are both acutely and chronically toxic to all aquatic organisms at extremely low levels.
I'm curious. What copper ppm-concentratations in water have been correlated with copper-tubing deterioration? And, what is the actual level of copper exposure (acute and/or chronic) that is toxic to all aquatic organisms?


Last edited by Instar; 01/04/12 12:59 AM.