Do you use Carbon?

[tygger]

Does anyone use carbon? I have a 72g tank with a 29g sump, how much should I use (1 cup, 2 cups, ???) and how long should I keep it in the sump?

 

Thx

[kngfisher]

I use carbon from time to time. It is loaded in my fluval 404 canister filter. You can usually only leave carbon (with full tiem use) in the running system for ~30 days after which is has usually absorbed as much as it can. Some carbon claims to last longer but I would stick with the 30 day mark.

 

I run mine on an as needed basis and them only a few days at a time.

 

As for quantity, I tend to use 1- 2 cups at a time and then either SeaChem MatrixCarbon or SeaGel depending on my needs.

[cbashaw]

I use carbon for about 2 or 3 weeks then I replace it as part of my water change routine. It will be fine for 30 days but it's easier for me to keep track of it if I change it every time I do a water change.

 

I put it in a hang on filter bag that I attach to the pvc pipe that drains water from my skimmer back to my sump.

[EricBrian]

Not to hijack this thread, but does the carbon turn into a nitrate producing thing when left in too long? I think I read that somewhere but am unsure. Thanks for the info.

[tygger]

I use carbon from time to time. It is loaded in my fluval 404 canister filter. You can usually only leave carbon (with full tiem use) in the running system for ~30 days after which is has usually absorbed as much as it can. Some carbon claims to last longer but I would stick with the 30 day mark.

 

I run mine on an as needed basis and them only a few days at a time.

 

As for quantity, I tend to use 1- 2 cups at a time and then either SeaChem MatrixCarbon or SeaGel depending on my needs.

 

Only a few days at a time? So if its good for about 30 days, you would run it for... say 5 days, take it out and use it for another 5 day period a month or so later? Would the carbon still be good like this?

 

 

 

I use carbon for about 2 or 3 weeks then I replace it as part of my water change routine. It will be fine for 30 days but it's easier for me to keep track of it if I change it every time I do a water change.

 

I put it in a hang on filter bag that I attach to the pvc pipe that drains water from my skimmer back to my sump.

 

I just put mine in a filter sock and stick it in the sump area where the skimmer is. Hopefully that works ok.

[Gatortailale]

I use it 24/7 - replace every 3 weeks or so. Started after discussion in below linked thread

 

Here is a 2003 thread on using it. http://www.wamas.org/forums/index.php?show...1&st=&p=entry

 

Drs. Red tag sale on black diamond: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...4+113843+113805

[phisigs79]

Anyone want to go in on a bulk order? I found 55lbs for $93.50= $1.70 per lb

[davjbeas]

I use Kent Marines "Reef Carbon" on my reef tank because i want to be safe. Poorer quality carbons can leach phosphate into your water. I use the Black Diamond brand on my FOWLR tank as there are no sensitive corals there. I don't have any actual data on which carbons leach phosphate more or less.

But I feel safe with the "Reef Carbon" or The Seachem brand "Matrix carbon"

I use a magnum 350 canister filter with chemical chamber. Changing the carbon and filter sleeve once a month.

On the FOWLR tank i use a whisper 1 filter. changing the carbon and filter once a week.

 

David B.

[tygger]

Craig, thx for the link.

 

phisigs79, that seems like a great price. What brand/type carbon is that?

 

davjbeas, I just started using Kent's Reef Carbon also. Bought it from Bigalsonline, 7lb tub for $37.

 

 

Anyone know if it's best to put in new carbon during a water change or in between water changes?

[Guest Bemmer]

phisigs79

I would go in on a group order for carbon. My preference would be kent's reef carbon or Seachem brand Matrix carbon. Why don't you post in the group order forum and see who hits.

 

Rebecca

[JC Pollman]

I use carbon 24/7 and change it every week because it is part of my ozone system. I buy it from AES - 15 lbs at a time:

 

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseac...d/4681/cid/1625

[tygger]

For those of you who are unaware, Group Buy going on:

 

http://www.wamas.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8555