Activated Carbon

[FishyDP]

Just curious, how many of you use activated carbon? Do you use it continuously, as needed? What do you feel the pros/cons are of activated carbon. How often do you change it out?

I am thinking of using it for additional water clarity purposes in my sump, in between baffles, changing it out monthly.

 

[Ron Reefman]

A question for you. Why do you think you want to run carbon?

I've been in the hobby for 15+ years. I've used carbon in a reactor a couple of times (short term) to deal with specific issues in the tank. But other than that, I never use carbon. But I think I'm in the minority in that I don't like to use anymore treatments like carbon, GFO, phosphate removers, dosing carbon than necessary. I do use a filter sock and I have a refugium with Chaeto and a skimmer... that's about it... oh, I have live rock as well!

 

[FishyDP]

The main purpose is for additional water clarity. I will be using 2x filter socks, skimmer, refugium/chaeto and live rock as well. Even with these filters in place I still tend to see a very slight yellow/brown tint to my water..I am using an RO unit. I would just like to get the clearest water possible, and best light penetration as well. I am curious if there are any negatives in using the activated carbon based on experience..

 

[scriptmonkey]

I have a carbon reactor plumbed into my manifold and I use it just occasionally if I do something stupid or need to polish the water a bit. Its usually like overnight once a month.

 

[Birddog]

I have used carbon full time earlier in my “reefing career”. As I have become more experienced over the years I use it rarely and only for a few specific needs. The same goes with GFO.... all of my corals are so much better without in their color, growth, polyp extension etc

 

[FishyDP]

Ok, so far nobody uses it continuosly..Birddog you mentioned your corlas do better without it. With this info. it sounds like running it as needed is the way to go. I think I will run it until my water clears up, and then take it out and use again if/when necessary.. or when I do something stupid, which will happen at some point haha. Will see if there are any more responses, thank you.

 

[Cthehentz]

I usually run carbon when adding new equipment or I sense something funky going on.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I have a HOT reactor and I use it whenever I think I need too. Easy to use.

 

[Goose91]

Hey guys, new to the game here, i have a 30g tank, no sump, just running a fluval 407 filter pump that has activated carbon in it. Because i dont have a sump or skimmer, is it better that i run the ac or no? Also currently have 23lbs of live rock.