Carbon In Sump - What Effects?

[neotactical]

I've read numerous posts by folks saying they dumped carbon into their sump on accident. Most people reply that it's not a big deal, just unsightly. I unfortunately followed that advice and think it may be the culprit to some of my problems. I couldn't think of a better forum to ask - what are the long term effects of having carbon sit in your sump? It's probably the equivalent of 1.5 cups.

Thanks,
David

 

[rhostam]

Just remove it.

I always have carbon running (I have toadstool leather in the tank). But I change it out every few week or so.

From http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/introlab/wat...ty_resource.pdf :

Activated carbon is the universal absorbent known for organic substances, which bind to the carbon atoms exposed on the pore surfaces. The carbon itself is chemically inert, which makes it ideal for use in both industrial and residential water purification systems. With continual use the binding sites of the activated carbon will become saturated, and the bound organic molecules can only be stripped off the activated carbon at high temperature.

 

[Spare time]

It just becomes biomedia if it sits there. However, what you don't want is it to grind up (such as getting to the pump) and possibly finding hlle in some fish

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree the only implication is that it becomes a site for bacteria to grow, and that's not generally any concern.

FWIW, I've done it intentionally during an emergency: dumping a bunch on the sump bottom rapidly reduces organics in the water (in my case, it was concern about a toxin from a dead long horned cowfish).