What type of carbon is best and why?

[BowieReefer84]

Just as the title says. What type of carbon do you run? Why do you use it over other brands?

 

I fill bags of carbon in my HOB filter, and replace them about once every two months or so. Is this often enough? I plan on getting some SPS frags, and want to try my best to ensure success.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Novi]

I bought this Lab Grade Carbon F&F sells and it makes my tank so clear it doesn't even look like water is in it! I use about a fist full and change it out every two weeks.

[jason the filter freak]

The theory is, as it was explained by one of our guest speakers... You need to replace carbon about monthly because it is an ultra reactive substance that bonds to anything down to microscopic level and pulls it out of the water and after about a months time give or take depending on the way you run/use your carbon it will start leeching impurities back into your tank. That being said it is also note worthy that carbon primarily is a "water polisher" and doesn't do a whole lot toward ensuring a successful tank. Water changes, good skimming, proper lighting, and feeding the right amount (i.e.) not over feeding) are going to contribute a lot more to your keeping of sps

[El Camaron]

kingsford, lights up easy

 

i still like chemipure, has worked great for me since tank set up.

[BowieReefer84]

The theory is, as it was explained by one of our guest speakers... You need to replace carbon about monthly because it is an ultra reactive substance that bonds to anything down to microscopic level and pulls it out of the water and after about a months time give or take depending on the way you run/use your carbon it will start leeching impurities back into your tank. That being said it is also note worthy that carbon primarily is a "water polisher" and doesn't do a whole lot toward ensuring a successful tank. Water changes, good skimming, proper lighting, and feeding the right amount (i.e.) not over feeding) are going to contribute a lot more to your keeping of sps

 

 

Thanks for the info. I do have a cpr backpack 2 skimmer. I think its rated for like 50 gallons or something and my tank is only 29 so I am good there. I also do 3 gallon water changes weekly. I have recently started feeding less, and even taking days off (I only have 4 small fish). I am getting a 150 MH and adding powerheads in the next couple weeks. I will start replacing carbon monthly rather than bi-monthly.

[sen5241b]

I run carbon and I think it helps but polishing the water so there's not the slightest trace of organic particles in the water is probably not a good idea. Many filter feeders and invert NEED POM = Particulate Organic Matter to live off.