charcoal, how much, how often, which kind

[LiveRoker]

I have a 55 reef, 10 gallon sump, pc lights (4x65), standard skimmer, 4 powerheads.

The first question to ask (and I know that this is up for debate) should I use charcoal at all especially if I run a skimmer? I do add iodine, strontium, and Mg once a week, as well as limewater for top offs.

I have been using Marineland Black Diamond charcoal about 1-2 cups every 2 weeks. No major problems so far, though my Kenya Tree refuses to open up (middle of the tank, medium flow), other corals are ok.

thanks!

 

[roons]

if it were me, id stop dosing iodine and strontium immediately, ..............i run a bag of the wal mart carbon , made by marineland, for a week after i do a water change and thats it

 

[Avi]

I agree with roons. I think that the worthwhile linespan of carbon is grossly overestimated.

If you're doing water changes regularly, supplementing what you've been supplementing for isn't necessary. Test for iodine in particular before dosing.