ACTIVATED CARBON....How many use it?

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

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  1. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    Oh, and I forgot what type. I just use the regular old Marineland activated carbon. Never noticed a difference between it and the expensive stuff.
     
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  3. kyanjesse

    kyanjesse Flamingo Tongue

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    just a quick question......
    my local supermarket sells activated carbon for drinking water filters. is that okay for a marine fish tank?
     
  4. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    I run Kent reef carbon in a TLF 150 reactor--Change it monthly. I noticed an immediate improvement in water clarity--almost had a polished look. I like Kent Reef Carbon due to the size of the pellets. I pack it tight in the reactor so it wont tumble. Be careful of carbon made from coconut shell.
     
  5. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    It would be impossible to know without the specifications for that carbon.* Things like;Molasses NumberIodine NumberFriability (hardness)is it coconut, bituminous coal, or ligniteAsh ContentTSA (Total Surface Area)this list could go on and on but I won't bore you as I doubt what your grocery store sells does much besides remove Chlorine
     
  6. Geoff

    Geoff Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I run it in a diy reactor,definately helps clarity.If you use carbon its better to use the irregular shaped than the pellet kind.Here's a good article on a study done on activated carbon.
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  7. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    I use Seachem matrix carbon and run a coffee cup full 24/7 and discard every 4th week

    Only noticed positives from its use and my corals are thus far not indicating any negatives?

    Steve
     
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  9. mattheuw1

    mattheuw1 Montipora Capricornis

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    2) If So, what specifically do you use it for (clarity, ph)?
    I use it for clarity and odor....keeps tank odorless and crystal clear. When I first started using it it made my water so clear the light started bleching some of my corals close to the top. I had to move them down.
    3) How long have you used it?
    For a few months.
    4) How do you dispense it into your system?
    I have a small jebo canister that I have connected to my sump. the intake on the first chamber where the water enters the sump, and the outake by the return on the other end of the sump...this way no pods get trapped in it.
    5) Is there a specific kind or brand that you use & why?
     
  10. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

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    I use BRS Rox .8. A very good GAC at a reasonable price. Both large and small pores with good hardness and small grains. I run it in their reactor. About a coffee cup for a couple weeks. Usually go a week and run more.

    I think it is necessary in a tank with a fuge to keep the yellow out of the tank. Probably could get away with every month for that.

    I also use it to minimize chemical warefare like was said.

    I also use because of the MIL. She uses a ton of perfume. Can't stop it, just have to deal with it. I want to know there are no pollutants in the water. She took care of the tank for a weekend and there was a noticable decline. I told here not to go near the tank without washing her hands, but who knows.

    There are plenty of articles out there on activated carbon, hardness, pore size, uptake properties. Like was mentioned most adsorbtion happens in the first couple of days. Running a bag in a sump does work, but not nearly effective as a reactor.
     
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  11. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    I run carbon in reactor. It's a must have in my opinion. Keeps odor down, absorbs chemicals, etc.
     
  12. seabass1

    seabass1 Montipora Digitata

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    Thanks for the article Geoff.....GREAT!! All you guys get to reading. Good sound money saving article here with tested results & pretty interesting to say the least!!

    K+ to Geoff....thanks again!

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