Charcoal

Is it necessary to run charcoal & ammonia chips in a SW tank or will sponges alone be fine ?

How often should they be rinsed in disgarded water ?

 

ammonia chips should not be required

Carbon or activated carbon ( charcoal) is a good thing to run
it removes the yellow tint we get in our water and also other things like toxins from corals etc

Carbon could be rinsed each week when you do a water change
but more importantly is to change it often

for your tank, you probably want half a coffee cup full and change it every 2 to 3 weeks, depening on your water clarity

Steve

 

+1. I would always use carbon. I think its better to use small amounts and change often than large amounts that sit for long periods of time before changing. I don't know anything about ammonia chips but your live rock and sand will take care of ammonia.

 

I use the carbon filter in the mesh bag. Are we talking about the same thing? Just within the last couple of days, I've noticed a thin white( almost clear ) film on the inside of my glass. It comes off easily. What is it ? What causes it ? Is it harmful ?

 

I believe its bacterial bio film and harmless or beneficial to be exact
Oceansurf

Steve