Carbon?? How Much? How Often?

[Crabby Jim]

Hi guys I have had my tank up for a while now ( it was born on 12/06) and I decided to try some carbon media just because I had heard good thing about it . I bought some carbon from the LFS and a media bag I filled it up halfway and rinsed it for what seemed like forever and I put it in the flow between baffels in my sump and WOW !!! I cant belive how much clearer my water looks after a few hours I mean why haven't I done this sooner . My question is how often should I treat the tank now that I started? How long should I leave it in ? It is a reef tank by the way.

[phoenixhieghts]

I run carbon 24/7 and change it monthly

[BaxterS80]

I run it 24x7 as well but you do have to remember to change it because if you dont, overtime it will help to keep your nitrates up high...

[Crabby Jim]

Thanks, I just can't belive I waited this long to figure this out .

[reef_guru]

carbon and reef tanks go hand in hand. run it 24/7 and follow the manufactuers detail regarding changing it out. normally lasts 2-3 months. i use seachem gel which is the best of both worlds

[omard]

Also run continually.

My wife has a super sensitive nose. I know it is time to change carbon when she says the living room is starting to smell like low tide.

I change mine out monthly...and rarely get complaints.