Do you use charcoal/carbon in your filters?

[siva]

I just want to open up a conversation about the pros and cons of using carbon. I don't use it in my tanks for the most part, but do have some filters with pre-made carts that contain it. I've never noticed any benefit or detrement from it. Any thoughts?

 

[paytertot]

I only use it when I'm dosing meds, which is almost never.

 

[absolutangel04]

I never bother to take it out of the pre-made filter cartridges. However, I really don't think a healthy aquarium needs it. My sponge filter tanks run just fine and I haven't noticed any difference between the 2 tank types as far as parameters go.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Very first thing I do when I get a new filter and cartridge is toss out the carbon and remove the floss and replace it with sponge. I've never used it and don't see the point.

 

[RussellC]

I personally keep carbon in my filter, but the best and most well-balanced article (in my view) about the pros and cons of carbon filtration is this one:

Carbon Filtration In Freshwater Aquariums