Canister filter carbon need to know

[majicmike]

So what I want to know is can I run a ro/di style canister filter with a carbon filter like you get at lowes or home depot on my tank. I use them to prefilter the water that goes into the tank.
If not why? I am tired of buying little carbon chunks that fall all over the floor it is kinda pricey and I would rather turn of a pump spin a canister off put a new filter in and go about my day.

 

[CRW Reefer]

Great idea and exactly what I would like to do. On board to see what people's responses are.

 

[majicmike]

Anyone?

 

[WillKatt]

Hey Mike!

I don't really have an answer for you but I do know that there are several different kinds of carbon. The type of carbon that is chosen for a specific purpose usually has to do with the structural characteristics of that particular carbon. Some carbon is has larger pores and is better for capturing larger molecules and particles. While some carbon has much smaller pores and it obviously better for filtering out smaller molecules/particles. You might want to try and find out what kind of carbon these filters use as they may or may not be very efficient at filtering toxins from salt water.

BRS actually has a video that talks about this a little and while its main purpose is to promote their ROX carbon I do think it has some factual relevance that would be helpful to you here. It seems like a really good idea and also seems like it would be a whole heck of allot easier to change the carbon. However my concern regardless of the type of carbon that is used for these filters is that they might plug up very quickly and may now be as efficient.

I think you should try it and tell the rest of us how it works. I honestly cant see any reason how it could hurt.

This is the BRS video I was referring to.

http://cdn.bulkreefsupply.com/media/videos/Aquarium_Carbon_Demo_-_Bulk_Reef_Supply_BRS.ogv

 

[majicmike]

Hey thank you!

I think I'm going to get another canister and do a sediment type filter first then do the carbon just to keep from clogging on the carbon thank you for your input and I will let you all know how it works