Carbon talk. How often to be changed? Re-use it when washed?

[JadeM]

I was wondering if I could re-use some carbon which is pretty new but used as I took it out I realised I have no more left and my LFS had sold out so I went to re-use it but I also wondered how often it really has to be changed once a month, weekly? any suggestions would be great !

 

[redfishbluefish]

I can only tell you what I do....I use three cups in a reactor and change it about every two months.

I also see no problem with putting back in if it is still "pretty new."

 

[JadeM]

Thanks lots red fish blue fish that will have to do until LFS gets more in for now i'll use that thanks

 

[Reeferdude56]

I would use the calculator on bulk reef supply. I have a 180 and use a 1 cup.

 

[JadeM]

I live in AUS so I can't get anything from BRS sooooo....... yeah.

 

[saltyhog]

I change mine every 2 weeks. I don't think "washing" can restore the usefullness of carbon but if it hadn't been in long it may still do some good.

 

[JadeM]

thanks

 

[mrtian97]

any suggestion on which carbon to use if I plan to just put them in the sump (no reactor, just media bag). Good but decent price

Thanks

 

[kevantheman35]

I don't think reusing it is going to have any negative impact on your tank, however many people suggest that the usefulness of activated carbon is used up in mere days so I doubt you will see much benefit either.

 

[klesel]

Don't think you can reuse carbon it's full of microscopic pours that full up with the toxics from your aquarium once there full u can empty them tgats why I must trow it's away . I love chemi pure products there amazing and come in a media bag just rinse and put in high flow area . change mine once a month that's what work in my set up.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, washing carbon doesn't usually do much once it has been fully used, but some folks have found that microwaving it reopens some pores and renews it ability to bind organics (partially).

IMO, once a month is a fine plan in the absence of an significant issue you are trying to deal with (like some toxin in the water), in which case more frequently replacement is likely needed.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Carbon can be regenerated, but not really a homeowner thing. It requires a special oven that goes up to very high temperatures....1500-1700F. It also looses some of it absorbing properties after regeneration. Just not worth it for Joe Blow Homeowner.

 

[cginter]

I would use the calculator on bulk reef supply. I have a 180 and use a 1 cup.

How often do you change out the carbon?

 

[Newb73]

I guess I am over aggressive. I use 2 cups of Rox 8 in my 225 and change it every 2 or 3 weeks. From what I have seen watching small alage patches...its probably about saturated after 10 days in my tank.

I have a lot of fish and feed heavy though so ymmv.