How Much Carbon?

Reef Pets · May 23, 2009

I use to run carbon many years ago on my show tank. But, I dont remember how much I ran per gallon. So, just to give an idea how much carbon are you guys running per gallon?
I don't want to over do it but I want to make sure that I have enough to get the job done.

Znut Reefer · May 23, 2009

1/2 cup per 50 gals.

Reef Pets · May 23, 2009

Great. Thats pretty easy... Thanks

GMaquarium · May 23, 2009

Not sure you could really overdo it with carbon. I am a huge fan of it and run GAC in all my systems. Some I load up quite a bit and change every three to four weeks, others I use a lot less of it and change weekly. For example on 160gallons of water I use a measuring cup and change weekly, on another 160gallon system I use 3-4cups and change monthly. The reasons for doing two different ways is because at one point I was trying to do a study on it and just kinda fell into the routine. All the monthly refills I still take out and wash under tap water and crunch up the particles with my fingers. Overall I would have to say that I do notice a difference, the tanks that get weekly fresh carbon are much more clear and skimmers seem to take out less junk

Sikryd · May 23, 2009

LOL - I guess I lack on the technical approach, I just fill my 150 reactor up and throw some GFO in there as well and call it a day - never really thought to actually measure it out.
I guess on LARGE systems it would be more economical to do so though.....

str8salt · May 23, 2009

I replace my container in my canister bi monthly. I would guess it holds about 6 cups. It is on my 75. Happy reefing.,

iFisch · May 23, 2009

I'm using about 3/4 cup on my BC14g.

Rinse in RODI water once a week, and lasts about a month.

I use more, just to use some of the space in the "sump" area on my BC14.

Hypertek99 · May 23, 2009

Yeah i don't think you can over do it. I use a lot!

flricordia · May 23, 2009

I started Purigen in a reactor and am getting excellent results with it. Much better than carbon IMO. Supposedly does not remove as much of the trace elements as carbon, but no way to test, just what I understand.