How to run carbon?

Hitchhik3r · Sep 13, 2022

I know this is a very noob question but I am just starting the cycling process and I heard that I should also run carbon with it. When I research this, I see various ways of "running carbon" including some big reactor contraptions down to a simple baggy filled with carbon, or even a carbon foam pad. Which way am I supposed to do it? Can I just buy the baggies and throw it into one of the compartments in the sump?

fishski13 · Sep 13, 2022

The easiest way for you to run it is probably chemi pure blue as it doesnt need any extra equipment and you can easily take it in or out as needed.

Is there any reason you want to run carbon? There is alot of pros to it but alot of cons especially if you do it wrong.

SaJon · Sep 13, 2022

fishski13 said:
The easiest way for you to run it is probably chemi pure blue as it doesnt need any extra equipment and you can easily take it in or out as needed.

Is there any reason you want to run carbon? There is alot of pros to it but alot of cons especially if you do it wrong.

I personally would not run carbon during the cycle. Carbon is designed to remove impurities. (I surely would not run it during the cycle). When you do run carbon at a later date you want to introduce it slowly and remove it slowly. Just a thought

Hitchhik3r · Sep 13, 2022

fishski13 said:
The easiest way for you to run it is probably chemi pure blue as it doesnt need any extra equipment and you can easily take it in or out as needed.

Is there any reason you want to run carbon? There is alot of pros to it but alot of cons especially if you do it wrong.

My brand new skimmer is not cooperating (aggressively overflowing) and therefore someone in another thread suggested I just turn it off during cycling and run a carbon filter . Can you elaborate on how I might do it wrong and what could happen?

Joe81 · Sep 13, 2022

A skimmer will take some time to tune. I would perfect what you have before adding more.

Reefer Matt · Sep 13, 2022

Hitchhik3r said:
I know this is a very noob question but I am just starting the cycling process and I heard that I should also run carbon with it. When I research this, I see various ways of "running carbon" including some big reactor contraptions down to a simple baggy filled with carbon, or even a carbon foam pad. Which way am I supposed to do it? Can I just buy the baggies and throw it into one of the compartments in the sump?

My opinion: Don't add anything. If there is a skimmer running, turn it off. Wait for at least a month to cycle.

Hitchhik3r · Sep 13, 2022

Got it. Thanks for the advice. I'll just cycle with no skimmer or carbon. After I finish the cycling, what would be the best way to run the carbon? Should I just use the chemi pure blue? Is it worth it to buy those reactors?

Mikedawg · Sep 13, 2022

Unless you are trying to remove toxins to mitigate coral allelopathy, bad smell, etc. I would simply use a bag with a measured amount of quality carbon and place it where it gets good flow. You won't need to "run" carbon while cycling.
What size is your tank btw?

Hitchhik3r · Sep 13, 2022

Mikedawg said:
Unless you are trying to remove toxins to mitigate coral allelopathy, bad smell, etc. I would simply use a bag with a measured amount of quality carbon and place it where it gets good flow. You won't need to "run" carbon while cycling.
What size is your tank btw?

I have the waterbox 100.3 (75g DT and 25g sump)