Activated Carbon Usage

[PoriferaBob]

Is there a set rate of how much to use??? Most labels Ive seen a very vague and dont offer much help..

 

[lessans]

I don't use the stuff, but I do know that one should use more as the tank size increases. I just thought of something. Think of the premade filters used for power filters and how much carbon is used in those in relation to the size tank they accomodate now apply this ratio of how much carbon for so many gallons to your saltwater system.

 

[cw150]

i use about 1 litre of carbon in a filter bag for around 220 total gallons of water in my system. It runs 24/7 and gets changed once a month. I don't know if that's right or wrong but that seems ok so far.

 

[scarter]

most would suggest only running carbon three days every two weeks. it will suck up a lot of your trace elements. I personally dont use it

 

[drinkhomebrew]

what if you put the power filter on a pump that ran for 1 hour a day- on a timer. It seems like it would be easier to manage than running it just 3 days straight.

 

[JamesJR]

cw 150 sounds about right on the issue. It works by having insoluble and slightly soluble organic compounds "stick" to the surface of the carbon. Depending on how dirty your tank is it could be used up in a number of days to a couple weeks. I wouldn't worry about it lowering your trace elements.
Be careful in the activated carbon that you use too because some can leach phosphate into the aquarium. If ever in doubt add a few granules to about a gallon of RO/DI water and then run a phospate test.

 

[outy]

im a 24/7 once a month guy as well many people here run that way.

 

[CeeGee]

The next to last tank of the month (SunnyX I believe) runs carbon 24/7 and it is incredible.

 

[scarter]

ok sorry, let me rephrase, some would suggest :}