Who uses Carbon?

[beebot99]

Hey.

I’m curious to see who uses Carbon and why. I bought some Fluval Carbon but after running a magnet through it I found way too much iron contamination and sent it back.

What are the perks and drawbacks of running activated carbon?

Are there other filter additives I should be running as the norm?

Thanks.

 

[dr_vinnie_boombatz]

I ran into the issue with Fluval carbon in the past too. Noticed rust spots on the mesh bag. I now run Seachem Matrix carbon in an Aquatic Experts mesh bag, changed every 2 weeks. I do 15% WC every week but notice the carbon helps with removing yellow tint from water and anything the coral might use for warfare. I don't have a skimmer since a nano so figure it helps more than those with a skimmer.

Filter additives wise I think it really depends on your tank size and WC frequency. I have a nano and only run carbon and a classic filter pad (no polishing pad built in) and that's it.

 

[beebot99]

I ran into the issue with Fluval carbon in the past too. Noticed rust spots on the mesh bag. I now run Seachem Matrix carbon in an Aquatic Experts mesh bag, changed every 2 weeks. I do 15% WC every week but notice the carbon helps with removing yellow tint from water and anything the coral might use for warfare. I don't have a skimmer since a nano so figure it helps more than those with a skimmer.

Filter additives wise I think it really depends on your tank size and WC frequency. I have a nano and only run carbon and a classic filter pad (no polishing pad built in) and that's it.

I too saw the rust spots, which prompted me to purchase a magnet. I’m not using a skimmer either, tank is only 13.5g.

Might try another brand of carbon…

 

[JohnCol]

I use carbon by bulk Reef supply. I use a reactor for mine. Mostly biggest reason is after maintenance. To help with spikes. Here recently I did some rock rearranging. Pretty big move. With a spike of 20 on nitrate. After a day it was gone. Worth it to keep carbon on hand. If nothing els to help clean up after us. When we "clean" up.

 

[dr_vinnie_boombatz]

I too saw the rust spots, which prompted me to purchase a magnet. I’m not using a skimmer either, tank is only 13.5g.

Might try another brand of carbon…

Fluval 13.5g? That is what I'm running too

 

[soreefed]

I use carbon by bulk Reef supply. I use a reactor for mine. Mostly biggest reason is after maintenance. To help with spikes. Here recently I did some rock rearranging. Pretty big move. With a spike of 20 on nitrate. After a day it was gone. Worth it to keep carbon on hand. If nothing els to help clean up after us. When we "clean" up.

I recently cleaned out my rear chambers and it caused a big phos spike. 24 hours with chem pure elite and it’s back to normal.

Is it reasonable to stick this bag back in its container for later use?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

-Carbon sucks up the toxins released by any corals/fish/inverts.
-Carbon sucks up dissolved organics, which can't be tested, but it will turn the water yellow and can harm sensitive animals.
-My tanks don't smell, and I've always heard that carbon will help with bad smells.

I can't really think of any downside, unless you leave it in too long.

 

[shutterspeed1000]

I use carbon in a reactor after either a 20 micron filter or GFO, depending on what the tank needs at the time. My soft corals do better when I run it probably because it is removing the toxins they release. Water looks better and like other have mentioned, no odors. I buy whatever brand the LFS has in stock. Trying to buy more of my supplies there lately.

 

[gt4profession]

Hey.

I’m curious to see who uses Carbon and why. I bought some Fluval Carbon but after running a magnet through it I found way too much iron contamination and sent it back.

What are the perks and drawbacks of running activated carbon?

Are there other filter additives I should be running as the norm?

Thanks.

I do use carbon on and off, pretty much just when the tank "tells" me it's time. I have never seen any drawbacks as far as I am concerned just clear water and if the corals decide to go at it with each other i toss some carbon in the tank to remove any junk they caused.

 

[beebot99]

I think I’ll start using it then. Avoiding the Fluval brand I think, as per my previous disaster. Any suggested brands?

 

[gt4profession]

I think I’ll start using it then. Avoiding the Fluval brand I think, as per my previous disaster. Any suggested brands?

Been using ROX by Bulk Reef but also I do switch to Kolar Labs every now and then.

 

[beebot99]

Fluval 13.5g? That is what I'm running too

It’s a decent lil tank! First delve into saltwater. It’s done me well thus far. Changed the pump of course and took out the awful sponge.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I run carbon in my tank to help with my high nitrate issues.

 

[JohnCol]

I recently cleaned out my rear chambers and it caused a big phos spike. 24 hours with chem pure elite and it’s back to normal.

Is it reasonable to stick this bag back in its container for later use?

I wouldnt think it would be an issue. If I was going to use it as needed. A media chamber works cause it shuts the flow off. If I was to pull and store. I'd lay out on a pan or something flattened out to dry it. Dry it out as good as you can before storing in a bag or something to prevent molds and such.