Activated Carbon or Matrix?

[Ian Baxter]

My tank is 8 months old and has a bunch of nasty algae on the sand. I remove it and it comes right back. I've heard that running carbon could help. I don't have a reactor, so it will go in a mesh bag in the sump. My sump is basically just a square box with skimmer and return pump. Should I put the bag underneath the water flowing into the sump? Which is better, carbon or matrix? How much should i use for a total water volume of 130 gal? Thanks?

 

[Hemmdog]

Looks like diatoms, caused from excess silicates. Are you using RODI water?

 

[Ian Baxter]

Looks like diatoms, caused from excess silicates. Are you using RODI water?

Yes, I buy it from one of my LFS’. I didn’t initially when I filled it, but have been ever since. The tank is currently fallow, so I know it’s not over feeding.

 

[AquaPhilNJ]

This also could be dinos. I have experience this when my tank was becoming too clean. You may want to test your Nitrates and Phosphate, however high or low nitrate doesn't necessarily mean you have a good level of nutrients in the water. Therefore think about what your bio-load is, and what is being used for cleaning. A piece of me believes this may not be your issue; since ur saying your only cleaning equipment is a skimmer and i'm guessing filter sock.

In situation I was running carbon and gfo reactor, just b\c i hear that is what people did, once I removed those reactors my corals did better. Note I am a light feeder.

Review the Nitrates and Phosphate results and if both are high then your tank may be too dirty. I would used active carbon because in my opinion is cleaner; where the matrix (which i've never used) is space consuming, additionally I fear it may collect dirt overtime and contribute to nitrate.

 

[Ian Baxter]

This also could be dinos. I have experience this when my tank was becoming too clean. You may want to test your Nitrates and Phosphate, however high or low nitrate doesn't necessarily mean you have a good level of nutrients in the water. Therefore think about what your bio-load is, and what is being used for cleaning. A piece of me believes this may not be your issue; since ur saying your only cleaning equipment is a skimmer and i'm guessing filter sock.

In situation I was running carbon and gfo reactor, just b\c i hear that is what people did, once I removed those reactors my corals did better. Note I am a light feeder.

Review the Nitrates and Phosphate results and if both are high then your tank may be too dirty. I would used active carbon because in my opinion is cleaner; where the matrix (which i've never used) is space consuming, additionally I fear it may collect dirt overtime and contribute to nitrate.

There’s currently no fish in there as it’s fallow for a few more weeks. How much carbon should I use?

 

[AquaPhilNJ]

There’s currently no fish in there as it’s fallow for a few more weeks. How much carbon should I use?

Carbon is purchased as a small box where it needs replacing every 4 weeks. Directions will be on the box, and vary depending on the brand purchased. I purchased mine from BRS (Bulk Reef Supply) and use 250ml (1 cup) for my 55 gallon tank.

 

[Ian Baxter]

Carbon is purchased as a small box where it needs replacing every 4 weeks. Directions will be on the box, and vary depending on the brand purchased. I purchased mine from BRS (Bulk Reef Supply) and use 250ml (1 cup) for my 55 gallon tank.

The directions aren't very clear. I just used the Marine Depot calculator and it's 2.5 cups. Thanks for the help!