How often do you change out your Carbon?

[Simon68]

And how much Carbon do you run at a time?

 

[joeychitwood]

I run carbon continuously in my 54 corner tank using a HOB Magnum canister. I fill the carbon container with Kent carbon and change it at least every two weeks. I like the Kent Marine Marine carbon because it has a cylindrical shape and doesn't creep through the mesh in the canister container like many other flake carbons.

 

[masonicman]

How much carbon do you put in the mesh bag for your 54gal joeychitwood?

I've been using purigen only for the past year and i think the carbon would do a better job.

 

[joeychitwood]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13605806#post13605806 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by masonicman
How much carbon do you put in the mesh bag for your 54gal joeychitwood?

The Magnum Hang-On-Back canister filter has a hard plastic carbon container which I fill to the brim. Water is then circulated through the container and back into the tank. I don't know exactly how much carbon the container holds, but I'd guess somewhere around 1 1/2 cups.

 

[greggnyce]

I change mine once a month, run in a phosban reactor

 

[ser_renely]

I change mine after a month and a half and use about a cup and a half.

 

[spw4949]

I run a H.O.T. magnum & I fill the container inside with marineland brand carbon. I change mine every 2 weeks. I posted this question on here awhile back and the general concensus was change it every 2 weeks.

 

[Monkeyfish]

How long carbon is "good" for depends on the method which it is utilized and how much "Stuff" is in the water. Carbon has a finite amount of absorption capability determined by it's exposed surface area. The dirtier the tank, the quicker the carbon will be "used up."

 

[crvz]

Not nearly often enough. I probably run half a phosban reactor full and change it every month on my ~200 gallon setup.

 

[mg426]

Every month.

 

[Flipper62]

Carbomn is only good for about 2 to 3 weeks. After that it just becomes a Nitrate Trap.

There is a better alternitive to Carbon......... Its called PURA-COMPLETE. It has carbon in it as well as other things. It only needs to be changed out every 6 months ( I do mine every 4 weeks ).

I have been using PURA-COMPLETE for a few years now & everything is good. The water is just as clear as before

 

[sps1-2-b]

Also once a month, run 24/7, about 2 cups in a media bag in my filter sock.

 

[Flipper62]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13608900#post13608900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sps1-2-b
Also once a month, run 24/7, about 2 cups in a media bag in my filter sock.

????? what...... Are talking about PURA-COMPLETE ??? or something else

 

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13608674#post13608674 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Flipper62
Carbomn is only good for about 2 to 3 weeks. After that it just becomes a Nitrate Trap.

There is a better alternitive to Carbon......... Its called PURA-COMPLETE. It has carbon in it as well as other things. It only needs to be changed out every 6 months ( I do mine every 4 weeks ).

I have been using PURA-COMPLETE for a few years now & everything is good. The water is just as clear as before

got a link for this pura-complete flipper

 

[Flipper62]

Here is a link...http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...twater_Aquarium_Supplies&vendor=&child=MN3135


Happy Refin :dance:

 

[masonicman]

Any truth to....... too much carban can start to pull the essential elements out of the water???

 

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13609635#post13609635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Flipper62
Here is a link...http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...twater_Aquarium_Supplies&vendor=&child=MN3135


Happy Refin :dance:

thanks flipper, i have saved it to my folder and will read it later, cheers again

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13610027#post13610027 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by masonicman
Any truth to....... too much carban can start to pull the essential elements out of the water???

No one has proved it to me yet.

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13608674#post13608674 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Flipper62
Carbomn is only good for about 2 to 3 weeks. After that it just becomes a Nitrate Trap.

There is a better alternitive to Carbon......... Its called PURA-COMPLETE. It has carbon in it as well as other things. It only needs to be changed out every 6 months ( I do mine every 4 weeks ).

I have been using PURA-COMPLETE for a few years now & everything is good. The water is just as clear as before

A quality carbon will last a good 4 to 6 weeks. It doesn't become a nitrate trap if changed out periodically.

To call Pura-Complete a better alternative to carbon is just ones opinion and not factual. Pura-Complete is a combination GFO and bituminous carbon. It can not hold a candle to the best carbons on the market today. Nor come close to the best GFO's on the market today.

 

[crvz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13610027#post13610027 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by masonicman
Any truth to....... too much carban can start to pull the essential elements out of the water???

not enough to show that it does more harm than good, I wouldnt worry about it personally.