activated carbon

[emorrison33]

I have found varying opinions on the use of activated carbon in reef aquariums. What is the genral concensus on this site? Should I or shouldn't I? I will of course be using supplements and use Instant Ocean salt mix.

 

[cmor1701d]

What is the genral concensus on this site?

There isn't one. Many people (myself included) use carbon occasionally. I use it about 1 week per month or less often. If I notice a tint to the water I'll add carbon for a week. Since I've been throwing a poly-filter in the sump compartment I haven't seen the need for the carbon. I replace that filter monthly.

What kind of supplements will you be using and WHY? The general rule is "If you don't test for it, DON'T ADD IT!"

 

[emorrison33]

I will be using Coral-Vite, but I only test for Calcium. I could not find a test for Strontium at my LFS, or other trace elements except for Iodine. My calcium level was at 300 mg/L this morning, which is too low.

 

[Hara]

Unless you have a huge bioload that is consuming the calcium, regular salt water changes should put it where it should be. IF you cannot find the test kits locally, I would be ordering them. Additives should not be used without testing. What is in the tank that you are adding coral vite?

 

[lando]

I run Chemi-Pure pretty much all of the time. Two important things with any reef carbon is to change it on a regular basis and rinse it with RO/DI water, not tap, if possible prior to adding fresh carbon to the tank. Heed the advice on reef suppliments. They are really just a waste of money, especially if you are doing regular water changes.

 

[emorrison33]

I only have some live rock at the moment, but will be adding corals later on. I purchased Sea-Gel from Seachem, but I have not used it yet. The Skilter 250 I am using came with floss media and carbon media. I will wait to change them once the tank is cycled.

 

[Hara]

I would be extra careful adding things with a 20 gallon tank. The smaller the tank, the easier to get things out of whack. Regular water changes will do alot more good for you.
As for the carbon, I run it one week of the month.

 

[emorrison33]

I haven't added anything yet, but I am concerned about my calcium level. I performed a 5% water change a couple of days ago, but don't want to change alot of water because the tank is still cycling. I think I'll go with the one week a month plan. Should I still use the floss media in the skilter? or just scrap it?

 

[Hara]

I would not change any water until the cycle is complete. Use the floss if you have particles floating around.

 

[melosu58]

Also I use coral vite also but if I was you I would not add it to your tank with just LR in it. I put it in mine but I also have dozens of corals in there. Always put less than what it calls for when you do go with corals. But I definiely agree with hara that right now water changes will do more for you than anything else. Save the supplementsfor later when you have many corals