Any disadvantages to running carbon all the time?
- Thread starter RussC
- Start date
Isn't there a possibility of some tangs getting HLLE if lower grade (softer) carbon is run and the fines get into the tank?
http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/hlle-head-lateral-line-erosion-activated-carbon-connection-4702/
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http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/hlle-head-lateral-line-erosion-activated-carbon-connection-4702/
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What grade of carbon, any tangs, and what's your phosphate level and feeding regimen?
Thanks
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billdogg
Well-known member
I've been using carbon 24/7/365 x 30 years without issue. It is great for helping to remove dissolved organics that can cause yellowing of the water, and will also help to remove many toxins released by corals (especially softies) as they do battle with each other. (alleopathy). I haven't found a downside yet.
I use GFO on a as-needed basis only when I start to see algae issues that would indicate an excess of PO4.
Both are best used in (separate) reactors due to differing flow requirements and expected useful life.
I use GFO on a as-needed basis only when I start to see algae issues that would indicate an excess of PO4.
Both are best used in (separate) reactors due to differing flow requirements and expected useful life.
Brs basic carbon. Purple, yellow, naso, hippo tangs. Po undetectable, notrates under 5z feed twice a day.
I have an algae scrubber
RioReefr
New member
Over the past 3-4 months, I have been using combination of Seachem Purigen and Black Diamond GAC. For GAC, I probably only use 25-50g and I replace it weekly. I would say my water clarity is crystal-clear and all my corals have full polyp extension and good color.
I do have a Yellow Tang and notice zero coloration loss and the fins look healthy. I thoroughly rinse the GAC to remove any dust before putting it in the media bag. The water flows passively through it, I don't have a reactor. Also, I don't know if it helps (or even matters), but the water flows through the Purigen/GAC before it gets to the protein skimmer.
Just my opinion, but I don't see an issue with continuously running GAC as long as it is good quality and rinsed thoroughly of the dust particles. Also, everything I have read states it is better to use a small amount and replaced weekly or it could actually have detrimental results. The pores in the charcoal will eventually get "clogged" and then start leeching the crap it filtered out.
(BTW, BRSTV has an entire episode talking about using GAC and its benefits. For the most part, everything those guys have said has had nothing but positive results on my tank.)
I do have a Yellow Tang and notice zero coloration loss and the fins look healthy. I thoroughly rinse the GAC to remove any dust before putting it in the media bag. The water flows passively through it, I don't have a reactor. Also, I don't know if it helps (or even matters), but the water flows through the Purigen/GAC before it gets to the protein skimmer.
Just my opinion, but I don't see an issue with continuously running GAC as long as it is good quality and rinsed thoroughly of the dust particles. Also, everything I have read states it is better to use a small amount and replaced weekly or it could actually have detrimental results. The pores in the charcoal will eventually get "clogged" and then start leeching the crap it filtered out.
(BTW, BRSTV has an entire episode talking about using GAC and its benefits. For the most part, everything those guys have said has had nothing but positive results on my tank.)
mcgyvr
New member
Just because you might not have a phosphate problem doesn't mean that others don't.. :hmm4:
One valid way to address elevated phosphates is through the use of GFO.
Carbon also has its uses like removing toxins/yellowing agents,etc... from a tank.
It typically removes organics and does not remove inorganics like trace elements unless those elements are bound to organic molecules.
But yes... KISS is usually a good method to follow so at least you got one thing right
Fourstars
New member
Just because you might not have a phosphate problem doesn't mean that others don't.. :hmm4:
One valid way to address elevated phosphates is through the use of GFO.
Carbon also has its uses like removing toxins/yellowing agents,etc... from a tank.
It typically removes organics and does not remove inorganics like trace elements unless those elements are bound to organic molecules.
But yes... KISS is usually a good method to follow so at least you got one thing right
NO, I got all three right. But those do work for some issues. usually poor tank management. I'd rather spend my dollar on stock. :fish1:
nereefpat
New member
My LPS started to recede, and I actually completely lost a couple colonies. Tested for everything under the sun, including shipping samples off to Triton.
Running carbon in a reactor solved the problem. I'll never know for sure, but I am blaming it on my two big toadstool leathers.
Running carbon in a reactor solved the problem. I'll never know for sure, but I am blaming it on my two big toadstool leathers.
homer1475
New member
So when softies start all out warfare through toxin secretion and the only way to clear it up is the use of carbon, I guess thats poor tank management? Or when your water turns yellow from tannins and the cheapest and easiest way to remedy the situation is to run carbon(yes you can do WC's, but I did say cheapest and easiest), thats poor tank management too?
To the OP,
I have always run carbon 24/7/365 with no ill effects.
homer1475
New member
How is it a crutch if your lazy? Carbon does nothing in the aquarium other then to polish your water(remove tannin's), and remove some toxins.
There are thousands of tanks that run carbon 24/7/365 with no problems. That experience and the science behind it tells me your wrong in your assumptions, regardless of your years of experience.
I personally have run carbon in salt and FW tanks for 30+ years with no ill effects in either. Now the quality of the carbon does matter, and cheap carbon can cause issues in salt. On that I will agree with anyone.
There are thousands of tanks that run carbon 24/7/365 with no problems. That experience and the science behind it tells me your wrong in your assumptions, regardless of your years of experience.
I personally have run carbon in salt and FW tanks for 30+ years with no ill effects in either. Now the quality of the carbon does matter, and cheap carbon can cause issues in salt. On that I will agree with anyone.
homer1475
New member
Why be sorry? Post up your info. These are discussion boards so any conflicting evidence should be reported and discussed.
If there is conflicting evidence, then I for one would be the first to say I'm wrong.
homer1475
New member
Ahh I see now, this is where you mention being lazy. I get you now. :thumbsup:
With that said I will agree with you. If it is not changed out on a regular basis, it can and will leach back into the aquarium. Effectively becoming a bag of poop.
But you cannot refute the science behind running carbon. Whether it be for a little while as a tool, or run 24/7/365 changed out on a regular basis. It does whats expected of it with no ill effects if run all the time and changed out on a regular basis.
