Is running Activated Carbon still a thing?

[Reefin' Alaska]

When I first got into the hobby before hopping out of the hobby when my twins were born 26 years ago, it seemed like running carbon was a pretty standard thing.

Today as I read thru builds more and more, I see less people using carbon than what seems like we did years ago.

Out of curiosity, why? Or maybe I just have this misperception, or perhaps people just don’t mention it?

How many of you quit running carbon? How many still use it?

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I use carbon in a reactor occasionally. But I use it for specific purposes, usually if I suspect a contaminant in the water. When I use it, I run it for two days, then turn it off.

 

[Aquariumaddictuk]

Still use it both passively & with a reactor(with caveats) but it is switched out after 5 days.
I feed heavily & have a relatively small tank which includes some leathers alongside sps so I find it helps keep things fresh & harmonious.
I think carbon variety is very important.
Cheaper brands can flake & crush causing dust etc.
I use aquaforest pellets which have never broken up & are free of dust.
If using in a reactor I find it best to sandwich inbetween filter floss so water is pushed through but carbon doesn't "tumble" & fragment which could also lead to dust

 

[bobnicaragua]

I run moonshiners so no water changes. I rely on carbon to filter out toxins. I have two filter bags in the sump and change out one of them every two weeks.

 

[Magic031707]

I run carbon in a reactor for 12 hours when lights go out until they come on in the morning. I just feel safer doing it this way don't know why. I have couple leathers and with me playing in the tank during the day.

 

[SPR1968]

I used it religiously in both my systems for years, I then stopped using it in the smaller one, it made no difference, so I stopped using it in the large system about 2 years ago. Again its made no difference certainly visually

Im not saying its a bad thing at all, but just another product manufacturers try and sell us in the hobby.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Somehow one needs to reduce organics that cause yellowing, and GAC is quite effective for that, as well as binding some toxins.

 

[Reefin' Alaska]

Somehow one needs to reduce organics that cause yellowing, and GAC is quite effective for that, as well as binding some toxins.

Curious, what is your personal preference for use of carbon? Couple of days? All the time?

 

[GlassMunky]

I run carbon 24/7 in all my systems. Def helps in a mixed reef with all the chemical warfare going on

 

[Doctorgori]

I run it when the water yellows

 

[fodsod]

I've been running Chemipure elite in the sump of my 90g mixed reef pretty round the clock for the last year or so. Everything has been great.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Curious, what is your personal preference for use of carbon? Couple of days? All the time?

I ran ROX 0.8 24/7 in relatively small amounts mixed with GFO.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

When I first got into the hobby before hopping out of the hobby when my twins were born 26 years ago, it seemed like running carbon was a pretty standard thing.

Today as I read thru builds more and more, I see less people using carbon than what seems like we did years ago.

Out of curiosity, why? Or maybe I just have this misperception, or perhaps people just don’t mention it?

How many of you quit running carbon? How many still use it?

I use it in an HOB filter with bio wheels. I change it out every other week, but run it 24/7. I do not have a sump, or refugium. It works great for me. Some people have gotten away from it due to required maintenance. But that does not bother me.

 

[Spare time]

I see activated carbon as extremely important. The number 1 reason I run carbon is to remove hormones in the water that the fish produce. Second is that it acts as a safety measure just in case any toxins get in or are produced in the tank.

 

[Evil1]

I run CP blue 24/7 in mixed reef Chang out every 2 months.