Copper and zinc generated by the Aquascape IonGen pond clarifier system can be detrimental to koi (Cyprinus carpio) health

BackgroundCopper is frequently used as an algicide, and copper ion generators such as the Aquascape IonGen claim to be safe for use in systems containing fish. In 2012, a die-off of koi (Cyprinus carpio) in a pond in Raleigh, North Carolina, occurred after the IonGen was added to the system.MethodsP...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary record open 2020, Vol.7 (1), p.e000396
Main Authors: Tucker, Emily, Gerlach, Jamie, Curtean, Azais, Passingham, Kent, Murphy, Lisa, Lewbart, Gregory
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
Biopsy
Companion or Pet Animals
Laboratories
Life support systems
Parasites
Ponds
Quality standards
Skin
Toxicology
Veterinary colleges
Veterinary medicine
Water quality
Zinc
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Summary:BackgroundCopper is frequently used as an algicide, and copper ion generators such as the Aquascape IonGen claim to be safe for use in systems containing fish. In 2012, a die-off of koi (Cyprinus carpio) in a pond in Raleigh, North Carolina, occurred after the IonGen was added to the system.MethodsPhysical and postmortem examinations suggested that heavy metal toxicity was the likely cause of morbidity and mortality. This was supported by a heavy metal screening of the owners’ pond. Additional experiments were performed to determine if the IonGen produced toxic levels of copper and zinc.ResultsThe tank containing the IonGen had higher concentrations of copper and zinc, and copper levels exceeded those associated with toxicity in both hard and soft water.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that ion generators might not be safe for fish, and copper should only be used as an algicide if concentrations are closely monitored.
ISSN:2052-6113
2399-2050
2052-6113
DOI:10.1136/vetreco-2020-000396