Does GAC remove proteins?

[Dave Clark]

Hello knowledgeable ones. I'm reading conflicting information as to whether GAC has the ability to remove proteins from saltwater. I realize it's not meant to take the place of a protein skimmer.

The only things I've read that might indicate the answer, is that protein skimmers remove larger molecules that charcoal does not. I've also read that charcoal removes "organic" material.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[Reeflix]

charcoal purifies the water, so... i think it would remove some proteins but not alot. i am 100% sure about this though

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Proteins are not a single thing. They vary widely in size, shape, and chemical composition. Some will bind to GAC, perhaps most, but not all.

Protein skimmers are also misnamed, IMO, They remove many types of things, including many but not all proteins.

The larger molecule thing is not accurate.

Proteins are one of many types of organic molecules.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

These have more:

Organic Compounds in the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

What is Skimming? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[Dave Clark]

Proteins are not a single thing. They vary widely in size, shape, and chemical composition. Some will bind to GAC, perhaps most, but not all.

Protein skimmers are also misnamed, IMO, They remove many types of things, including many but not all proteins.

The larger molecule thing is not accurate.

Proteins are one of many types of organic molecules.

Thank you. Understanding that the two remove different substances ... if one chose to not have a skimmer, would you advise using GAC to remove some substances that would have been removed by the skimmer?

 

[FlyPenFly]

Look into Purigen

 

[Dave Clark]

Look into Purigen

I have ... although I've found articles from the manufacturer Seachem that state that it removes proteins, I haven't found any other articles citing lab tests that back up that claim.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thank you. Understanding that the two remove different substances ... if one chose to not have a skimmer, would you advise using GAC to remove some substances that would have been removed by the skimmer?

Yes. You lose the aeration aspects, and perhaps less whole bacteria export, but GAC is a good organic export method.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have ... although I've found articles from the manufacturer Seachem that state that it removes proteins, I haven't found any other articles citing lab tests that back up that claim.

It will. Almost any polymer material will bind some proteins in seawater. My job as a chemist has been to make and study polymers to bind things for 40 years, so this is not some random comment.

Purigen and GAC will remove somewhat different subsets of total organics, but both will remove organics, including some proteins.