Activated carbon

[YellowTang]

How long should activated carbon be used in saltwater ???

Thanks

 

[reefrunner69]

Depends on what your using it for...it will remove yellowing agents for about 4 weeks, but will not remove too much else after a few days to a week of use. I replace carbon once per week.

 

[Brisc0]

I run 1/2 cup 24/7 in my 130G changed every week.

 

[MadManMac]

Does the carbon take out any of the beneficial things in a reef system? I thouhgt it would strip things like Iodine and the like.

 

[Biggen]

Does the carbon take out any of the beneficial things in a reef system? I thouhgt it would strip things like Iodine and the like.

http://www.marineland.com/articles/16ActivatedCarb.asp
and
http://www.marineland.com/articles/17RevisActCarb.asp

Short answer is no...

 

[Wally]

Reef Runner, Why do you use carbon for ? Is it to get rid of DOS.

 

[reefrunner69]

I use it to remove organic waste, yellowing agents and the chemicals produced by some of my corals in their bid to be the supreme ruler of the tank.

 

[SquishyFish]

Has anyone found that there is a big difference in carbon from one brand to the next?

 

[steve-s]

Although all carbon based products will leach PO4 to a certain degree, the one I prefer is Chemi-pure. I use it in my 27 and 90 and have liked the the results. Clearer water, stable chemistry and it like other carbons gives me a sense of ease when smokers are around. One of the reason I prefer the use of these kinds of products 24/7, they help remove airborne pollutants fairly quickly.

Cheers
Steve

 

[TheMadNucleus]

I'm with Steve on a few of these points. In addition, running Carbon 24/7 while not really neccessary, it's sort of like us being able to live in a house with free floating polutants - yeah we can live there but not very well

I differ on my choice though. I use Seachem's Matrix Carbon - they have the best claims anyway and they are a very reliable mfg and do test their products very thouroughly and I also like the spherical approach to filter media - it definately provides hugh surface areas and excellent waterflow. In fact when I rinse my Purigen (same basic shape as Matrix carbon) it's wild to watch. As soon as the water hits the filter bag containing the macro-pellets it expands to twice its size absorbing the water like crazy yet not impacting its flow through the media.

http://www.seachem.com/seachemframeset.html

I have run tanks for long periods of time w/o any Carbon - but I typically do not do this anymore. Why - Cuz many checmical pollutants that could enter the water in a variety of ways may not kill your reluctant charges but may make them a bit less healthy and Carbon is a good way of riding the water of these provided you use it deligently.

Just my thoughts on this.

Tom