Charcoal and "sponge" filter

[GoLowDrew]

In general. Is it safe to use Charcoal filters? or in your filter system?

How about "bio balls?"

 

[Jack04]

Actually they are EXTREMELY TOXIC
DONT USE ANY OF THOSE ITEMS






















































:-D

LoL, Sorry just kidding.

In my reef tank I run a canister filter with Carbon (Charcol), sponge, and bioballs. But i do wash out the sponge monthly and change the carbon every 30-40 days. No risk at all with those products unless not cleaned regularly.

Sorry about my humor. hehe

 

[c_stowers]

Bioballs can trap detritus, but are otherwise genrally effective at removing ammonia. However, they will not provide any help with nitrates. There are alot of us that run carbon 24/7 with no problems. Just make sure to stick with the higher quality acid washed carbon.

 

[GoLowDrew]

Jack you got me there as I didn't have a full window open.

Another question:

Does the sponge absorb the salt? When the water evaperate, I just add salt water. My salt level stayed the same. Shouldn't the salt level increase?

So I'm guess it's the sponge.

 

[c_stowers]

I've never had a problem with sponges removing salt before. Sometimes salt creep can buld up on them if they are not fully submerged, but in that case you can just submerge them to fix the problem. Evaporation should make your salinity go up.

 

[GoLowDrew]

About washing the sponge, how long do they last? Do I need to be concern about buildups and bacteria growth (the wrong kind) using the same sponge over?