Water clarity and carbon?

[ozorowsky]

Hi all,

Do I need carbon in my reef tank? My water is clear but granular. I have seen some saltwater tanks which are amazingly clear like your looking through clean air. What causes that?

Are my little granules (more visible under light) due to the higher salinity needed for corals?

 

[mr_X]

no, it's nothing to do with salinity.
that is air bubbles, or dirt, or both. carbon does clear up water and remove odors.

 

[ozorowsky]

no, it's nothing to do with salinity.
that is air bubbles, or dirt, or both. carbon does clear up water and remove odors.

So would I get a carbon pack and place it above my bio balls?

 

[carey]

I think most people put it into their return pump section in a bag.

 

[ozorowsky]

I think most people put it into their return pump section in a bag.

And I will have to replace the bag weekly?

 

[carey]

At least weekly or every other week, carbon looses it effectiveness quite quickly.

 

[mr_X]

monthly it should be replaced, and putting it in a bag in the sump is not very effective. you want it in a reactor or somewhere where water is forced through it.

 

[Gti_Leo]

i'd put the carbon in a reactor or a filter sock placed on your sump inlet. liek doug stated it won't do much just sitting there in the return section, 95% of the water is flowing past it.

 

[carey]

Ok I, learned something today. Thanks guys!