ACTIVATED CARBON....How many use it?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by seabass1, Aug 6, 2009.

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  1. seabass1

    seabass1 Montipora Digitata

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    Have done 2 days research on these blogs and there is not too much on here about carbon usage.
    1) How many of you reefers use carbon for water quality in your tanks?
    2) If So, what specifically do you use it for (clarity, ph)?
    3) How long have you used it?
    4) How do you dispense it into your system?
    5) Is there a specific kind or brand that you use & why?

    I have never used it.....just never really saw a need until I was researching a logical cure for cyano and questions popped up. Since upgrading to a bigger system, and while cycling, the dreaded cyano creeped in probably from live rock...don't know. Anyway, I've read so much on here about a certain brand that contains carbon & ferric sulfate. Many reefers swear buy it..........but it is so dang expensive!!! :-/
     
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  3. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    I don't use it. I did for a while not too long ago to see if it had any effect but not really. From what I have read, carbon becomes full after just a couple of days so it needs to be changed very often.
     
  4. chuckdee

    chuckdee Peppermint Shrimp

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    1) How many of you reefers use carbon for water quality in your tanks?
    I do!! I think most people do..

    2) If So, what specifically do you use it for (clarity, ph)?
    I use it for clarity. There is a noticable difference in clarity after I replace old exhasted carbon. I especially notice it in my freshwater tank..
    3) How long have you used it?
    I have never not used it..
    4) How do you dispense it into your system?
    It is in my canister.
    5) Is there a specific kind or brand that you use & why?
    I have used all different kinds. I'm stuck on Seachems carbon now because I like how it's round shape. They look like BB's. Not sure it it really helps the contact or not, but I'll continue to use it..
     
  5. Screwtape

    Screwtape Tonozukai Fairy Wrasse

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    I run one of these reactors with their regular lignite carbon.
    Bulk Reef Supply - Bulk Reef Supply

    I use it for clarity and to pick up any random organics or miscellaneous pollutants that might build up from getting picked up from the air around my apartment or from the coral themselves. It's just one extra layer of water filtering beyond skimming.

    I'm not sure it's the best solution for cyano but it can't hurt. GFO (ferric oxide) is a product that a lot of people run to remove phosphates, I've never heard of ferric sulfate but maybe that's a product I'm not familiar with.

    Here are some links to more articles about carbon usage if you're interested:
    Bulk Reef Supply - Bulk Reef Supply Articles - Carbon Instructions
     
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  6. unclejed

    unclejed Whip-Lash Squid

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  7. jakeh24

    jakeh24 Pajama Cardinal

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    i run carbon
    i change it about every 3-4 weeks

    i just use it because it helps keep the water clear and helps clean things up.

    i have used it as long as my tank has been set up

    i run it in a media bag

    no specific brand
     
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  9. bama

    bama Humpback Whale

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    I run carbon for a week at a time, then I run phos-ban for 2 days, wait 5 days, change my water and run carbon again, starting the cycle over. It has seemed to work flawlessly..

    also, I use a 2 little fishes reactor..
     
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  10. seabass1

    seabass1 Montipora Digitata

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    Carbon

    You're right Screwtape.....it's Ferric Oxide.....thanks.;)
     
  11. seabass1

    seabass1 Montipora Digitata

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    Carbon

    8) Pretty Cool strategy there Bama. Have you ever used Chemi-Pure Elite? It has both carbon & GFO but big $$$$.
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2009
  12. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    I have always run carbon and feel it is one of those necessary things in reef keeping. It absorbs organic pollutants, chemicals that cause discoloration in the water and aids in keeping and maintaining a balanced ph. I run it in a media bag in my overflow. I prefer non-bituminous carbon as that has larger pores and more of them. Carbon itself is rather cheap, easy to use and should be replaced about once a month.