How do you use activated carbon? Would it affect any of my water parameters? What does it help with? Is it a no brainer to use it to clear up the water and reduce the smell? How often do you replace it? What amount do you put in? Would it SHOCK!!! the tank? Basically whatever you know about activeted carbon please comment. Thank you.
How do you use activated carbon
- Thread starter povsan
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cdangel0
New member
In a nutshell:
If using a sump, simply put the carbon in a filter sock (not sure of amount, should be on bottle of carbon) and place in sump. replace every 3-4 weeks. Will assist in reducing smell, and "polishing" water.
Will not contaminate or shock your system, just make sure to change it regularly.
If using a sump, simply put the carbon in a filter sock (not sure of amount, should be on bottle of carbon) and place in sump. replace every 3-4 weeks. Will assist in reducing smell, and "polishing" water.
Will not contaminate or shock your system, just make sure to change it regularly.
Hi Povsan,
Activated carbon is the single best filtration media for removing organic material from a tank. Used for years it has been used in FW tanks to remove the yellow tinge imparted by tannins and lignins in the water. Carbon is only partially selective and removes a wide variety of organic compounds. It can even remove toxins secreted by some corals and anemones.
I use granular activated carbon, GAC, in a canister filter and run a it more or less all the time. I replace it on a monthly basis. Doing so reduces total dissolved carbon, TOC, from the water on a continual basis.
Activated carbon is the single best filtration media for removing organic material from a tank. Used for years it has been used in FW tanks to remove the yellow tinge imparted by tannins and lignins in the water. Carbon is only partially selective and removes a wide variety of organic compounds. It can even remove toxins secreted by some corals and anemones.
I use granular activated carbon, GAC, in a canister filter and run a it more or less all the time. I replace it on a monthly basis. Doing so reduces total dissolved carbon, TOC, from the water on a continual basis.
Burlington Reef
New member
Is there a formula for how much to use?
drummereef
Team RC
I use about a half cup of Black Diamond Carbon in my 40g mixed reef. I change it monthly. 
A good question and I wish I had a good answer. The problem here is there are many types of activated carbon. Carbon from wood, coal, lignite, coconut shell and many other substances are used. Also there are several ways that the carbon may be activated. What this means is that the way activated carbon behaves is different depending on the materials and processes involved.
I can say that, in general, about 1 gram of carbon per gallon will treat most tanks for a month before needing replacement. It would be nice if I had better numbers but, even among experts, there is no true consensus.
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