How much activated carbon?

[sue711]

I have a 20 gallon long reef tank with a 10 gallon sump, and an Eheim canister in which I place some GFO. I would like to use some activated carbon in a filter bag and put this in my Eheim as well. I purchased Pro-Carb made by Penn-Plax, and nowhere on the bottle does it say how much to use. How much carbon do you guys use for your tank? I have emailed the company but not yet received a response. Thanks

 

[atwinparadox2]

I have a 90 and a 40 that I run carbon in. I have phosban reactors running both and all I do is fill them both up half way with carbon. It does just fine that way. I don't think it will do any less or more if i add more or less. I would assume if I added more it would just be longer between the times I change it out. Hope this helps.

 

[drummereef]

Bulk Reef recommends 1 Tablespoon per 10 gallons of water. Their carbon is a higher quality than most so using a little more of your brand isn't going to hurt imo. When I used Black Diamond I used 1/2 cup for my 40g.

 

[Juruense]

There is no such thing as too much carbon. Run as much as you can I would suggest a 50/50 mix of carbon and GFO.

 

[sue711]

Thank all.

I have heard that too much carbon is bad... Lateral Line Disease??

Drummereef, about 1/2 cup was what I was planning on using too since I remember reading somewhere on a thread (can't find it though) that the usual dose was 1 cup per 50 gallons or so. Thanks for that confirmation.

 

[Whys]

I've heard too much can remove trace elements, but I know that gets debated. Never heard of it causing lateral line disease.

 

[Michael]

id suggest half a cup to start and see how it goes, personally id agree with juruense, i actually use as much as i can phisically afford and fit in, usually 500ml at a time, never seen any problems doing so, half a cup is a good starting guide for you imo

 

[Ztous]

I've heard tangs can get hole in head disease from carbon overdose due to under rinsed carbon. Never seen anything like it myself though.