How often & why do you run carbon

[treesprite]

Looking to see what the typical practices are and the reasons people are doing it the way they are doing it. Also wondering what the differences are that people have noted in their own tanks betwen when they do and don't do it. Also wondering what any negative effects can potentially arise.

 

Thanks

[lanman]

I've seen no adverse affects. I think it makes the water more crystalline. Hardest part is remembering to change the charcoal out once in a while!

 

bob

[davjbeas]

I run it in a magnum 350 canister filter. I use kent Reef carbon.

I change it every 2-4 weeks depending on how dirty the blue filter sleeve looks.

It does clear the water, but I feel it safe guards the water quality when corals

release slime or chemical warfare takes place.

It works for me.

 

David

[treesprite]

I've seen no adverse affects. I think it makes the water more crystalline. Hardest part is remembering to change the charcoal out once in a while!

 

bob

If I start using it all the time, I need to do a gradual work up to it don't I? So corals can acclimate to increased light penetration?

 

Another question would be about phosphate from using carbon. Is there a carbon brand that doesn't require simultaneous use of a phosphate remover?

[davjbeas]

Before I use the carbon in the filter. I soak it RODI water for a while. You can do this with your carbon and test the water you soak it in for phosphates.

SInce starting the prodibio system I have taken my phosphate reactor off line.

I still run a 10 gallon refugium though.

 

David

[sen5241b]

I use Chemi-pure Elite. It use GFO and very loose carbon. Anyone else use this?

[zygote2k]

If I start using it all the time, I need to do a gradual work up to it don't I? So corals can acclimate to increased light penetration?

 

Another question would be about phosphate from using carbon. Is there a carbon brand that doesn't require simultaneous use of a phosphate remover?

You should put 1 piece in a mesh bag per week. After 10 years or so, you'll be able to put a whole pound in at a time.

[treesprite]

You should put 1 piece in a mesh bag per week. After 10 years or so, you'll be able to put a whole pound in at a time.

LOL.

[ChuckN]

I use Chemi-pure Elite. It use GFO and very loose carbon. Anyone else use this?

 

I use this as well. I put it in a reactor after a good RO water rince.

[MisterTang]

Carbon is an incredibly effective bonder. I recently axe-murdered a rock flower anemone, and it stunk to high heaven... until I turned the return pumps back on and water started going through the 'fuge with the carbon reactor. It was stink-free within 35 minutes.