Is carbon really useless?

[Aqua_Omega]

I heard that fish tanks really don't need it ,is it true and why?

 

[cbourg746]

I heard that fish tanks really don't need it ,is it true and why?

This is a pretty good article on the pros and cons of carbon use.

http://www.oscarfish.com/article-home/water/84-carbon-filtration-in-freshwater-aquariums.html

 

[Lucifer]

Carbon can increase your GH so in some cases like Discus carbon in your filter or shells in your tank because the discus prefer a softer water with less mineral content. Where Africans like harder water and can have things like shells of carbon In the filters.

 

[Nathanpopp]

I use carbon? I like it!

 

[Aqua_Omega]

This is a pretty good article on the pros and cons of carbon use.

http://www.oscarfish.com/article-home/water/84-carbon-filtration-in-freshwater-aquariums.html

Thanks I'm reading it now

 

[Aqua_Omega]

Carbon can increase your GH so in some cases like Discus carbon in your filter or shells in your tank because the discus prefer a softer water with less mineral content. Where Africans like harder water and can have things like shells of carbon In the filters.

Great info thxs

 

[Aqua_Omega]

I use carbon? I like it!

I do too but if it useless then I won't use it again

 

[Ian086]

I do too but if it useless then I won't use it again

I only use it for Meds or Odour removal. I prefer Purigen to polish my water....

 

[Aqua_Omega]

I only use it for Meds or Odour removal. I prefer Purigen to polish my water....

Never heard of that can i get at a LFS?

 

[Aqua_Omega]

Thanks I'm reading it now

That was great info thanks

 

[Ian086]

Never heard of that can i get at a LFS?

You might at the larger ones but i think it's cheaper online. It's very cheap either way and can be re-charged and used over and over. It's extremely popular stuff and i swear by it. Google it, you'll struggle to find any bad reports. While your at it, check out Seachem Matrix, another great American product!!
PS....Purigen is also made by Seachem....

 

[phishfriend]

You might at the larger ones but i think it's cheaper online. It's very cheap either way and can be re-charged and used over and over. It's extremely popular stuff and i swear by it. Google it, you'll struggle to find any bad reports. While your at it, check out Seachem Matrix, another great American product!!
PS....Purigen is also made by Seachem....

I also swear by it! It's in every tank I have. Which are all planted. I dose with dry fertz so I can't use carbon because it would remove them. Purigen doesn't remove the fertz. Totally awesome product!

 

[SandyCheeks]

I only use it for Meds or Odour removal. I prefer Purigen to polish my water....

Ditto on the Purigen. It's a little costly but worth it. Has anyone renewed it using bleach? I haven't dared yet.

Sometimes I use activated carbon if the filter smells stinky. It helps with odor control.

 

[Aqua_Omega]

You might at the larger ones but i think it's cheaper online. It's very cheap either way and can be re-charged and used over and over. It's extremely popular stuff and i swear by it. Google it, you'll struggle to find any bad reports. While your at it, check out Seachem Matrix, another great American product!!
PS....Purigen is also made by Seachem....

Ian thanks bro really, im going online to dr foster now and phishfriend thxs for the added info you guys are great help

 

[Ian086]

Ditto on the Purigen. It's a little costly but worth it. Has anyone renewed it using bleach? I haven't dared yet.

Sometimes I use activated carbon if the filter smells stinky. It helps with odor control.

Yeah, i've re-charged it. Simple, no problems. I have two at the moment, a spare, so when i'm re-charging, i just swapping them... There is a chemical to remove the chlorine after the bleaching. Save's your Prime which is VERY expensive for me, i have to import it!!. I'll have a look for the name and post it later....

 

[phishfriend]

Ditto on the Purigen. It's a little costly but worth it. Has anyone renewed it using bleach? I haven't dared yet.

Sometimes I use activated carbon if the filter smells stinky. It helps with odor control.

Yeah have several times. Look it up on YouTube. There is a guy that does a full walk thru of the re-gen process.

 

[phishfriend]

There is a chemical to remove the chlorine after the bleaching. Save's your Prime which is VERY expensive for me, i have to import it!!. I'll have a look for the name and post it later....

Please do! I'd like to try it!

 

[Andrewz00]

Please do! I'd like to try it!

That has always been my fear, the recharge w bleach!! Seems wrong so im interested in that chem name too!

 

[dmolavi]

I swear by Purigen, and recharge it every 6 months in bleach. Never had a problem so long as you use the Prime to clean it up after the bleach treatment. Follow the directions and you'll be golden.

Matrix is also excellent for bio-filtration.

 

[Ian086]

I swear by Purigen, and recharge it every 6 months in bleach. Never had a problem so long as you use the Prime to clean it up after the bleach treatment. Follow the directions and you'll be golden.

Matrix is also excellent for bio-filtration.

+1 on the Matrix