robertloop
Member
I bet that the "grunt" of the actual absorbtion gets used up quickly.. Like 3-5 days... and then It will slowly absorb to capacity over more time. We need links!
Carbon users, I have a Question...
- Thread starter kdblove_99
- Start date
Justin74
New member
Ya we do!lol! I got sidetracked and started lookin for old links and noticed I had a homepage? I forgot I had a homepage! then went to it and said WHOA! Some old ugly shots of my tank, damn but I tried so hard with that camera too
If you get the chance you should check it out and click on my snap shots, you can tell the old from the new! :O
Im all A.D.D. past 8pm :wildone:
-Justin
If you get the chance you should check it out and click on my snap shots, you can tell the old from the new! :OIm all A.D.D. past 8pm :wildone:
-Justin
bbehring
New member
I sat my reactor up with a mirco jet running with the slide gate in full open mode.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...upplies_Powerheads_Compact_Pumps~vendor~.html
Pump line runs from my sump return into and through the reactor and out into my refugium. I also have the 1/2" quick disconnect valves that are used on the small magnum power filters hooked up to my reactor so chaning out media is easier for me. I'm thinking of switching to a MJ600 in lieu of the mini jet?
First 2 months I ran rowaphos alone with carbon in a micron sock in the sump. This worked well. I changed the carbon sock out every other week. Then I tried to mix the two in the reactor. While the results seemed good, the pump pressure slowed down so dramatically with in 2 weeks that I was forced to empty the reactor and refill. I then switched back to rowaphos only with the carbon in the sock as before. I was thinking of switching to and running in my reactor the Pura Complete product which appears to have both carbon and phosephate removing capabilities as well as some other others.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ies_Filter_Media_Chemical_Carbon~vendor~.html
I was also contemplating on buying a second reactor for carbon only and running both. Probably try the Pura Complete option first.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...upplies_Powerheads_Compact_Pumps~vendor~.html
Pump line runs from my sump return into and through the reactor and out into my refugium. I also have the 1/2" quick disconnect valves that are used on the small magnum power filters hooked up to my reactor so chaning out media is easier for me. I'm thinking of switching to a MJ600 in lieu of the mini jet?
First 2 months I ran rowaphos alone with carbon in a micron sock in the sump. This worked well. I changed the carbon sock out every other week. Then I tried to mix the two in the reactor. While the results seemed good, the pump pressure slowed down so dramatically with in 2 weeks that I was forced to empty the reactor and refill. I then switched back to rowaphos only with the carbon in the sock as before. I was thinking of switching to and running in my reactor the Pura Complete product which appears to have both carbon and phosephate removing capabilities as well as some other others.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ies_Filter_Media_Chemical_Carbon~vendor~.html
I was also contemplating on buying a second reactor for carbon only and running both. Probably try the Pura Complete option first.
Justin74
New member
Ok, I knew I wasnt losing my marbles 
Heres another discussion about carbon. And also a few who also subscribe to the same information Ive gathered regarding it's limited life (due to the highly efficient nature of the media). Again some are saying 2 days, some say 4. You make the call 
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1164464
-Justin
Heres another discussion about carbon. And also a few who also subscribe to the same information Ive gathered regarding it's limited life (due to the highly efficient nature of the media). Again some are saying 2 days, some say 4. You make the call http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1164464
-Justin
Justin74
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10365104#post10365104 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justin74
Ok, I knew I wasnt losing my marbles
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1164464
-Justin
Where did I say heres my further proof?
Speaking of science show me the science that supports carbons effective use for 4 weeks?
The science is there, I just dont feel like doing the legwork. Nor am out to prove anything. BUT will make you a wager. Show me recent evidences of carbons life span when used in a closed marine system, if over 90% of it is not used up within a week I'll give you $5. Now show me the science!
-Justin
Justin74
New member
Possibly. Ive also heard the same stuff about phosban. Ya, it may continue to pull trace amounts up to a month, but the "umph" happens within a few days.
When wondering whether or not to pull media you need to think of a few things and apply them to your personal situation with your system.
Decay happens to organic material around the 3 day mark, sometimes longer, sometimes sooner. If your media is being used to collect or inadvertantly collecting such material you should consider changing it out at that bench mark. Same goes with foam, and filter floss. Whether or not you decide to clean it or toss it also leaves some things to consider. Are you totally cleaning it? Or are you leaving trace organic residue? The beauty of our tanks is that these little indifferences that alone could potentially alter the chemistry are being counteracted by our tanks increasing the particular bacteria population to accomodate for various swings either into amonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Always in a battle for balance. This can explain why some dont notice night day differences, overnight success, or defeat.
Theres no difinitive answer, because no two tanks are the same. Depends on the current status of your tank and what your removing, your feeding, and your husbandry. If you have a pristine tank your probably gonna get the most bang for your buck, especially if you are consistant with your husbandry.
And just the opposite can be said for someone who doesnt have a consistant regiment, or flat out blatantly neglects there tank, there more apt to need replacement media much sooner.
-Justin
Jeff
Premium Member
Hello from Chicago!
I have been following this thread as I feel that it is important to use aquarium media to its fullest extent.
I really havent seen any proof at all that activated carbon only lasts for a few days. Someone named "Serioussnaps" with no credentials at all says that it only lasts a few days and you believe him? Why would you take his word over the people that are actually the experts on activated carbon (the manufacturers). Why would they want you to change their product every 4 months as opposed to every few days? That would be bad business.
I guess I could link some directions from a few of the popular activated carbon companies and it would be proof. Just simply "saying" that it lasts a few days or linking another discussion on Reef Central that has one other non-expert is not proof. Between the 2 threads there are at least 25 people that say that they change their carbon every 6-8 weeks or more without problems.
Jeff
I have been following this thread as I feel that it is important to use aquarium media to its fullest extent.
I really havent seen any proof at all that activated carbon only lasts for a few days. Someone named "Serioussnaps" with no credentials at all says that it only lasts a few days and you believe him? Why would you take his word over the people that are actually the experts on activated carbon (the manufacturers). Why would they want you to change their product every 4 months as opposed to every few days? That would be bad business.
I guess I could link some directions from a few of the popular activated carbon companies and it would be proof. Just simply "saying" that it lasts a few days or linking another discussion on Reef Central that has one other non-expert is not proof. Between the 2 threads there are at least 25 people that say that they change their carbon every 6-8 weeks or more without problems.
Jeff
Justin74
New member
Im still not seeing how I said Seriousnapps was an expert, or that his opinion counts so please believe...or anything like that. I just said that he subscribes to the same information Ive gathered, through distributors and chemists. It was merely an example of actually 2 guys serioussnapps included and me making 3 in the thread. But the only thing that thread evidences is a bunch of guys who have heard and been advised by the directions on the package, and a bunch of guys who have heard discussions about it not being necessary, which I am included as well just a guy who heard..Am I the type of guy who would pass information on as factual from a guy that was just a hobbyist like myself here on RC, no. But if his title reads chemist and hangs down at the chemist forums and has some 3-5+ thousand posts, who doesnt get it from yapping all day and watching a group of people either ask for his advise openly or respect it once given Im gonna listen with a more open ear and pass it off as an alternative respectable opinion, and one worthy of mentioning
-Justin
-Justin
Jeff
Premium Member
Justin, you linked a thread with a member that stated he believes that activated carbon only lasts a few days. You then wrote the same thing in this thread. You must think that Serioussnaps is an expert or you would not have used him as your only "proof".
Being a hobbyist with an opinion is invaluable in this hobby. It prevents us all from making mistakes and blowing money. But there is a huge difference between actual scientific proof, common sense and past experience.
In my experience and all but 2 people in the two threads, carbon lasts much longer then a few days. I dont mean to be arguemenitive but I still havenet seen any proof. I dont wish to start throwing out perfectly good carbon every few days.
Jeff
Being a hobbyist with an opinion is invaluable in this hobby. It prevents us all from making mistakes and blowing money. But there is a huge difference between actual scientific proof, common sense and past experience.
In my experience and all but 2 people in the two threads, carbon lasts much longer then a few days. I dont mean to be arguemenitive but I still havenet seen any proof. I dont wish to start throwing out perfectly good carbon every few days.
Jeff
Justin74
New member
Commenting on what you said towards the bottom, make that 26, myself included!
Do I think it's necessary, or am getting good use by the end of the month?No, I think Im being lazy and thank my stable system for picking up my slack
I just think the innitial use of carbon is highly underestimated and the it's longevity is often overestimated.
-Justin
Do I think it's necessary, or am getting good use by the end of the month?No, I think Im being lazy and thank my stable system for picking up my slack
I just think the innitial use of carbon is highly underestimated and the it's longevity is often overestimated.
-Justin
Justin74
New member
Ya, and? I stated my opinion
Because at the time that's what we were all doing?
But since I spoke contrary I guess Im odd man out
But to who's circle am I speeking contrary to? It sounds as if I just need to do some legwork since it's being insisted that I stand on a soap box and and say SEE I told you so!!
-Justin
Justin74
New member
Alright, here's some science, research, and documentary evidence behind MY OPINION
Activated Carbon" by Dr. Timothy Hovanec - http://www.marinelandlabs.com/scien...tivatedCarb.asp
"Revisiting Activated Carbon" by Dr. Timothy Hovanec - http://www.marinelandlabs.com/scien...evisActCarb.asp
"Granular Activated Carbon in the Reef Tank: Fact, Folklore, and Its Effectiveness at Removing Gelbstoff, Part 1" by Richard Harker - http://web.archive.org/web/20000918...s/1/default.asp
"Granular Activated Carbon in the Reef Tank: Fact, Folklore, and Its Effectiveness at Removing Gelbstoff, Part 2" by Richard Harker - http://web.archive.org/web/20000918...s/1/default.asp
"About Activated Carbon" by Gregory Schiemer - http://web.archive.org/web/20030804...uct/default.asp
By the way, alot of my information was gained from Boomer personally, besides the tech and chemist who I purchased our last local group buy of carbon from. I invite you to go ask Randall Holmes Farley or anyone else for that matter to ask who the leading authority is on GAC(granular activated carbon) and see who they point you to...
And in essence of this discussion I would like you, especially you Jeff to read the article "Granular Activated Carbon in the Reef Tank: Fact, Folklore, and Its Effectiveness at Removing Gelbstoff, Part 2" by Richard Harker.
-Justin
Activated Carbon" by Dr. Timothy Hovanec - http://www.marinelandlabs.com/scien...tivatedCarb.asp
"Revisiting Activated Carbon" by Dr. Timothy Hovanec - http://www.marinelandlabs.com/scien...evisActCarb.asp
"Granular Activated Carbon in the Reef Tank: Fact, Folklore, and Its Effectiveness at Removing Gelbstoff, Part 1" by Richard Harker - http://web.archive.org/web/20000918...s/1/default.asp
"Granular Activated Carbon in the Reef Tank: Fact, Folklore, and Its Effectiveness at Removing Gelbstoff, Part 2" by Richard Harker - http://web.archive.org/web/20000918...s/1/default.asp
"About Activated Carbon" by Gregory Schiemer - http://web.archive.org/web/20030804...uct/default.asp
By the way, alot of my information was gained from Boomer personally, besides the tech and chemist who I purchased our last local group buy of carbon from. I invite you to go ask Randall Holmes Farley or anyone else for that matter to ask who the leading authority is on GAC(granular activated carbon) and see who they point you to...
And in essence of this discussion I would like you, especially you Jeff to read the article "Granular Activated Carbon in the Reef Tank: Fact, Folklore, and Its Effectiveness at Removing Gelbstoff, Part 2" by Richard Harker.
-Justin
