Using Activated Carbon

[degbowl]

I just put a new filter on my 30 gal FOWLR tank. I put in a magnum HOT filter. It seems to have made the tank clearer. I had an aquaclear which I always like, but the magnum is almost like having another powerhead. It sprays the water around the tank. It came with activated carbon. So I put it in. I plan on using other filter media, but I just wanted to use the carbon. Some people say a couple of days some say a couple of weeks. I don't want to leave it in too long and end up having anything get back into the water. It has been two weeks already. Should I change it?

Jim

 

[Hara]

The carbon will lose its efficiency after a few days. I would remove it after a week. It is a good idea to run carbon for a few days each month.

 

[melosu58]

I try to use chemi pure instead of GAC. It is a resin and supposedly last longer than GAC. I agree with Lisa that GAC wont last much longer than a week.

 

[degbowl]

I plan on using Purigen. I have used it for years. When I bought the new filter, it came with GAC. I just figured I would use it instead having sit in a closet. I will change it now since it has been two weeks. Thanks for the advice.

Jim

 

[lando]

Chemi-pure 24/7 for me. I change it once a month.

 

[DragonForce]

I got some decent bulk carbon and run it 24/7 in my mixed reef. I usually change it out once every 2 weeks. I have noticed it stops working well after the first week. I use it to control toxins that my lps/soft/sps corals produce from being house together, IMO carbon will also help with exporting nitrates.