Do You Use Carbon?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by tatted4ever, Jan 18, 2010.

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Do You Use Carbon?

  1. Yes

    86.0%
  2. No

    14.0%
  1. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    I hade the Mrs. stop by the post office on the way home from work and pick it up. Got it in the tank last night. Stuff rinsed pretty good, didn't have a lot of dust from it.
     
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  3. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    I really never rinse it myself anything that is on it will just asorbe more and the skimmer will pull it right out . Now just ruin it until you start to smeall the aquarium order then you will have a time line on when to change it out . Its far different them any aquarium carbon you have used .. You'll see clear water now..
     
  4. Golden Rhino

    Golden Rhino Spaghetti Worm

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    Kent Marine's Reef Carbon, which advises on the label to use sparingly and intermittently with SW and reef aquariums.

    Don't recall the brand I used on my last tank (several years ago), but yes, that was used 24/7. Of course, carbon wasn't as highly activated, then.

    Cheers
     
  5. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    I might need a bigger discharge container for the skimmer to dump into because it's flowing over the edges already... :-/ When the skimmer is running about 1,400gph then you need a big container to hold it... ;D
     
  6. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    MIne runs over also the grid causes it . Nothing to worry about the O3 still is exposed to air and dissipates in a flash It I finds just oxygenates the water better
     
  7. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    You put the floss between diffuser plate and carbon bag or underneath carbon bag??
     
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  9. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    I putr the floss ontop of the plate
     
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  10. grubbsj

    grubbsj Gigas Clam

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    So, on the subject of running carbon in the effluent of the skimmer, when O3 is used.

    Otty, you have expressed to me that it is important for the removal of "free" O3 in the effluent.

    Tangster, is your statement implying that turbulent exposure of the effluent to air is sufficient to allow the O3 to degas?

    I measure ORP in the sump about a foot "down stream" from where the Bullet 3 (ozone reaction chamber) effluent enters the sump. The effluent is directed to the side and surface of the sump. You can see from the pics of the sump that the live rock crumble in the sump is taller (deeper) than the level maintained in the sump.

    Currently, my carbon is only filtering a portion of the discharge from my return pump. But is does so, 24x7. So, the effluent of the skimmer is directed over the live rock crumble and a portion of the return pump is run through the carbon....So, is this configuration sufficient?

    If not, what is the risk and how do you manage this risk? ....pictures....

    Thanks,
    Joe
     
  11. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    Joe 03 is really over talked about and seldom understood its all a through back to the early 70's when we used to put it directly into the tanks with a air pump and wood diffuser and a old Saunders Generator . There was a lot of harm done and we where all just learning how much was to much :) It can wipe anything out totally 100% if its allowed to build up as free 03 in a system.. And newer people still hear all the horror stories from the old days . Now Carbon will alter the molecule instantly as will exposer to 02 . Its good to have it pass through carbon But also the same thing can be achieved with the turbulent water outlet from the skimmer and all the micro bubbles , I have never had a problem with any free 03 in a system I do allow as much water as possible to pass over the carbon but like you and otty know these skimmers discharge more water then many people tend to think they have as total turn over rates .

    Now you say you monitor your 0RP in the sump really it does not matter where you have that probe all you want to do is control the amount or level of REDOX achieved and hold that at 400 or so as the max then there is no chance of the water becoming to oxidative or pure for animal life in there . Like with Hot Tubs units they are controlled so as to not burn the skin .

    If you are ever concerned about it get a 03 test kit to see if you have any free 03 in the system once you guys work with 0zone long enough you just learn it and understand it and its not that deadly . The aquarium controllers took all that worry out of it. I test my outlet at the skimmer and I have never found any Free 03 and I use a Del Zone larger unit then Scott has on about 1/3 the water volume and 1 2ft length of 2' PVC fill with the dryer beads so as to keep my 03 as Strong and pure as possible.
     
  12. grubbsj

    grubbsj Gigas Clam

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    Thank you Tangster.

    For the skimmer effluent, it is very turbulent and bubbly as it runs over the live rock crumble. I'll consider that sufficient, for now. Once I obtain the ability to test for O3, I'll make adjustment then, if so indicated.

    As for ORP, I'm controlling in the band of 360 to 400. Between the ozone and the BRS carbon and GFO reactors, the water is "crystal clear"...except for the "ever present floaties" which are visible with the white lights on...

    I do like the BRS solution for running carbon and GFO on larger tank setups....