Carbon?
- Thread starter CKreef
- Start date
I run Seachem carbon. I change it every 2-3 weeks and run about 3-4 cups at once. I made a thread about a bunch of research I did on activated carbon about a year ago. You should check it out. Some brands are definately better than others. The only two brands I would (and have) run in my tank is Black Diamond and Seachem.
. Yup. German's not quite as good as Dave's, or I'd add something... I run Kent carbon in a media bag in the sump 24/7.
cee
New member
Better in a bag, IMO, as it won't remove nutrients as quickly and has better "longevity", hence the monthly changeout. There are some things carbon removes that you don't want stripped from the water, like iodide, etc., but life's a comprimise. Slow removal can be good or bad, depending what you're trying to do with the carbon. If it's just for "routine maintenance", it's a good thing. If there's something you're trying to remove fast (like after a redbug treatment or to reduce coral warfare toxins), a forced flow or fluidized bed of carbon would be preferred but with a more frequent changeout.
Pickupman66
New member
I use chemipure and purigen in my tank. have had great results.
I would have to disagree and say the packed bed method is preffered. It is the only way that the carbon can be homogenously used. The bad method utilizes the carbon on the outside to the point that is becomes cintered (inactive). At this point is begins to leach what it has removed back into the system before the carbon in the middle is even effectively exposed. I also highly recommend using a pelletized carbon and not the crushed carbon to reduce mass transfer resistance. The science for these type of systems is well understood. Some fiarly easy calculations for activated carbon can be used by looking up parameters in the CRC handbook of physics and chemistry (and Perry's Chem E Handbook). Seachem actually provides the tortousity for their carbon allowing one to calculate a parameter called the Theille modulus and effectiveness factor. My calculations show a PBR approach with change-out every 2-3 weeks is optimum.
Good info Chris. I must admit I use the "in sump bag" method and it seems to work fine. I do keep it in the "bubble box" (where the overflow feeds into) in my sump so it gets pretty good flow in the immediate area(~ 750gph in a 4" by 4" area).
Have you read anything about carbon leaching Fe?
I have read that ceartain types leach phosphate(which of course we know) and ceartain types(acid washed I believe) leach iron.
thanks, Chris
Have you read anything about carbon leaching Fe?
I have read that ceartain types leach phosphate(which of course we know) and ceartain types(acid washed I believe) leach iron.
thanks, Chris
Knead daily would definately help IMO. Why not just run less if you don't want optimum efficiency though? It would save money and accomplish the same thing. I agree that running too much carbon can be a problem. I just choose to use what I call small doses and run them as efficiently as possible.
cee
New member
Agree, run less would work, but would have to change more often and add another pump to the mix. Plus, I avoid channeling by kneading the mesh bag daily, which would be hard to do in a packed bed or canister filter. A fluidized bed with 1/4 cup replaced weekly might achieve what I'm trying to accomplish, though.
Dave
Dave
danieljames
New member
right on
cee
New member
Channeling also has a lot to do with where the detritus gets trapped in between carbon particles, filter floss, what have you. If its cleaned often, its not a problem, but if neglected, it will build up and restrict flow to certain areas. Spherical would be optimum, as it removes the "randomness" factor with irregular or cylindrical pellets.
Dave
Dave
