Activated Carbon's Necessity - Aquarium Advice

Rejoice · 05-11-2006, 03:41 PM

Hi have a stupid question, but I've heard conflicting advice in regards to the need for activated carbon in FOWLR tanks.

I have bio-chem zorb media in my skilter (i know, get a better protein skimmer...I'm saving up for it) but that's pretty much it.

So my question is, how important is it. How much do you have in your filters?

Jess

Marc118 · 05-11-2006, 03:49 PM

None...

How much LR do you have?

Rejoice · 05-11-2006, 04:50 PM

Not sure exactly, but probably around 35 - 40 pounds in the 65 gallon tank.

**lando** · 05-11-2006, 08:03 PM

GAC can be a good form of chemical filtration for tanks when used properly. It does need to be changed on a very regualr basis in order to be effective. Some hobbiests run it a week or two every month. Personally, I use Chemi-Pure 24/7 and change it monthly in both of my reefs.

tecwzrd · 05-11-2006, 09:11 PM

Cheaper quality GAC can leach phosphate over time which is why you need to be careful in the brand you buy. Using Chemi-Pure would be more effective and I use it as well instead of GAC. Essentially Chemi-pure is a type of GAC but much higher in quality.

seaham358 · 05-13-2006, 08:38 PM

Never used it in my fowlr and its been running for a few yars now. I use it once in a while in my reef if the water does not look clear. IMO not needed.. If you use meds in the tank then you should have some on hand to use after your done with the meds. JMO>.

05-11-2006, 03:41 PM	#1
Rejoice Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 44	Activated Carbon's Necessity Hi have a stupid question, but I've heard conflicting advice in regards to the need for activated carbon in FOWLR tanks. I have bio-chem zorb media in my skilter (i know, get a better protein skimmer...I'm saving up for it) but that's pretty much it. So my question is, how important is it. How much do you have in your filters? Jess __________________ Jess

05-11-2006, 03:49 PM	#2
Marc118 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 766	None... How much LR do you have? __________________ Come Join The Dark Side

05-11-2006, 04:50 PM	#3
Rejoice Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 44	Not sure exactly, but probably around 35 - 40 pounds in the 65 gallon tank. __________________ Jess

05-11-2006, 08:03 PM	#4
lando Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Savage, MN Posts: 7,669 Images: 46	GAC can be a good form of chemical filtration for tanks when used properly. It does need to be changed on a very regualr basis in order to be effective. Some hobbiests run it a week or two every month. Personally, I use Chemi-Pure 24/7 and change it monthly in both of my reefs. __________________ Some people are like slinkies...they serve no real purpose yet can still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs! Have a great day! Brian

05-11-2006, 09:11 PM	#5
tecwzrd Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: VA Posts: 3,152	Cheaper quality GAC can leach phosphate over time which is why you need to be careful in the brand you buy. Using Chemi-Pure would be more effective and I use it as well instead of GAC. Essentially Chemi-pure is a type of GAC but much higher in quality. __________________ -Micah- If you haven't figured it out yet I like to BOLD links :P Vote for AA at Aqua Rank

05-13-2006, 08:38 PM	#6
seaham358 Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2004 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Posts: 3,296 Images: 21	Never used it in my fowlr and its been running for a few yars now. I use it once in a while in my reef if the water does not look clear. IMO not needed.. If you use meds in the tank then you should have some on hand to use after your done with the meds. JMO>. __________________ 9/02-125 REEF, 125 lbs LR,LS 4x160 VHO, Reef Devil /Sump, Fuge 7/03-55 FOWLR 60lb LR, 50 lb SD sand 2x40 NO strip light, Reef Devil/sump, Fuge TANK PICS http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=98202

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