Activated or dosing carbon?

[Dj.dale]

Is there any difference in activated carbon or dosing carbon ? I recently changed my rox 8 activated carbon and notice 2 weeks later I'm. Losing corals like my donut scoly and getting white tips on acros . I thought carbon is good for corals somewhat ? I know it clears water up but not killing corals.


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[DDon]

They are 2 different things.
Activated carbon is for chemical filtration and removes dissolved organic compounds and some toxins.
Carbon dosing, such as vinegar, vodka, etc. is used for nutrient reduction by feeding a carbon source to fuel bacteria populations

 

[spkennyva]

I'm certainly no expert, but I believe that you're confusing these two separate uses of "carbon".

Carbon dosing (think adding specific food) to promote the growth of bacteria in the water column. These bacteria will consume nitrates and phosphates from the water, and ultimately get expelled by your skimmer.

Activated carbon is totally different. I attracts impurities, other than nitrates and phosphates, within the water locking them up inside the carbon pellets/granules.

 

[Dj.dale]

So is carbon dosing good for the corals or bad ? I also using a UV but I like seeing my water really clear that's why I use activate carbon . What is opinion in to use


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[Reef Frog]

It is possible to "strip" water of nutrients with the numerous export tools we have at our disposal. Sometimes to the point where some corals suffer. In my case, my GFO & other export efforts are such that I no longer do well with palys, Zoas & Ricordias for example.

But in your case, the coral problems could also be entirely coincidental and due to other factors. There's no harm in backing off the carbon and seeing if things improve. But I'd also look for other causes as well.

Giving more info like age of the tank, bio load, feeding habits, lights, coral placement & parameters will help flesh out the big picture.

 

[Breadman03]

So is carbon dosing good for the corals or bad ? I also using a UV but I like seeing my water really clear that's why I use activate carbon . What is opinion in to use


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It's not necessarily good or bad. It is a tool used to help control nitrate and phosphate levels in the tank. In order for recommendations, we would need to know things like your current parameters and any specific problems you may be experiencing.

It is possible that the carbon change increased the clarity of your water, allowing better light transmission, and shocked your corals.

 

[redwhitechem]

Activated carbon is a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area. Carbon dosing is an awfully effective way of removing nitrate and to an extent phosphate. Both are different things.