Carbon

[oakwell]

I have just introduced some carbon into small internal filter and wondered if someone could give me a quick rundown on why carbon is good for a reef tank and when it should be replaced etc

It is only a small internal filter and there is only a small amount of carbon been used.

Many thanks

[Kev]

Hi O

Its that long since I used this stuff I am having to think hard here.

I am no chemist, but activated carbon can remove organic polutants that are disolved in your seawater. I remember the classic yellowing of the water I used to see in my old fish only systems would be improved by use of carbon. An extra tool to remove nutrients from the water that may well inhibit growth of your inverts.

I must say, I have not used carbon for about 1.5 years. I don't think it is necessary in a well maintained softie tank (with a few lps). When I did use it, I replaced small amounts once a month.

Sorry, probably not the greatest answer, but as I said, I'm no chemist.

Kev

[oakwell]

hey kev any input is good input makes sence to me pal :D

cheers

[Tangman]

Hi Daz. As Kev as said carbon soaks up organic pollutants etc out of your tank, but can dump them back in if left in the system to long. The best way i find with carbon is to change it every 4 or 5 days and just put small quantities in at a time. Also Poly filters are good at doing the same job and dont dump stuff back in the tank, and also change different colours depending what they take out. HTH. Eric

[oakwell]

cheers eric i must admit i need to replace my polyfilter too so that will be another item on my shopping list

[flying Jock]

Hi

I would agree with the above and as TM says the best way to run carbon is to use small amounts once a month.

I run mine through an old fluidised sand filter which works very well.

As said carbon will take out a lot of impurities out of your water due to its high porous nature but make sure you get a brand that is trusted or you will find that some carbon will release a lot of phosphates.

I run mine due to having a good percentage of sps and softies which often results in a lot of chemical warfare (terpins being released) going on in the tank.

Very good at reducing the yellowing (gelvin) in your tank as well.

It will however pull out some good trace elements but for me this is only a small downside to using it.

Cheers

FJ

[Kev]

Hi

A mix of softies and LPS is one reason I used to run carbon, although I don't think as critical as opposed to SPS as FJ says. Mind you, when I stopped running carbon, no problems have occured with my LPS. I just do regular 2 weekly water changes. Working very nicely.

Kev

[oakwell]

thanks fellas, much appreciated