do i really need carbon?

[nemofish2217]

okay, so i know this will sound dumb, but the truth is, i am running carbon, and i dont even know if i need to. I had some lying around, and heard people saying they used it, so i was like, "what the heck."

well, the tank is a sps clam tank only, and the bioload is moderate.... so, my question is, what is the benefit of running carbon? i know it takes some of the toxins out of softie tanks, but is it really necc to run in my tank? i keep up with all maint, and will be getting a phosban reactor soon.... so what do you guys think?

 

[jeffbrig]

I would recommend that anyone use carbon in their tank. Carbon helps with water clarity, which should benefit any light-loving coral. Also, most corals are engaged in some form of chemical warfare for turf and growing room - carbon helps remove these substances. It's especially critical in a mixed reef with softies of the genus Sarcophyton, which secrete toxins that are especially harmful to sps corals.

 

[mg426]

I would tend to agree. It does help with water clarity. lighting PAR values dimminish with depth. Carbon helps with this.

 

[nemofish2217]

is it better to use it passively, say in filter bags, or in a phosban reactor? i currently have one bag in my overflow box and another "catching" the water that comes out of my skimmer.... which do you guys think is better?

 

[Reefrookie2006]

I'm using carbon in my sump with filter bag.

 

[143gadgets]

I would recommend it. Its great stuff!. Keeps the water clear and removes any odors.

 

[nemofish2217]

better in a reactor or passively? also, does it do a comparable job to ozone? (my tank is only 45 gallons)

 

[The_Reef _Man]

I have a lps, soft, and clam tank that has been running for 3 years. I have never run carbon. Since everything is going well, i have been hesitant to use for fear of it affecting the tank in some way. Does carbon take out beneficial elements or anything?

 

[colettem]

One harmful thing that carbon can do if you haven't been running it is to cause light shock to corals. It is so efficient at removing chemicals that it actually causes a lot more light to penetrate through the water. I saw a post on here one from someone who had never run carbon and added it to their tank - his corals sustained quite significant light damage from the sudden increase in light intensity.
Apparently it is best to actively run water through the carbon in some kind of reactor or filter for maximum efficiency.
I don't know if any harm can come in the long term from not running it.

 

[schristi69]

Carbon can remove some essential elements which need to be dosed or replaced by water changes.