Activated Carbon in Filter Sock

I recently created a DIY HOB fuge out of an Aquaclear 50, I made a slot for a filter bag. I know that running carbon is good for the tank but I don't have an reactor. Can I buy the Activated carbon, stuff it in a filter stock, throw it in the HOB fuge with water running through it and get the same positive effect?

Also, when should one change out the carbon?

It probably won't be as good as running it in a reactor but my tank is only 20gallons and I don't have a sump or plan on getting one.

 

yes that will work duck . i change my carbon once a month , but its in a reactor. but i imagine the same would apply to a hob too.

 

wonderful, just want to make good use of the hob fuge. thanks.

 

Ya carbon doesn't need as much of a controlled flow as say Phosphate media. It should do fine.

 

+1 as long as water flows over it, it will be effective

best method to know when to change carbon is to look down the lenght of your tank
if its not crystal clear, or has a slight yellow tinge to the water, its time for a new bag of carbon

Steve