Is carbon absolutely necessary?

[kingtoad]

It is absolutely necessary to put a sac of carbon in the sump?

 

[gillies]

No.

 

[sandiegan]

In order for you to get an idea of how far you can stretch things in reefing: I have a 90g w/ a 1/2 full 10g sump. No carbon at all, no filter sock at all. Do waterchanges about every 2 or 3 months, only about 10g at each change. I tap off with tap every few days or so, which is generally a gallon and a half. Just goes straight into the sump. My tank looks great.

So not saying do your tank like mine, but in reality, most things aren't truly necessary. Just very highly recommended.

 

[Fred_J]

Most people just use carbon to remove the yellow tint to the water. It does help remove other things but a good skimmer can handle the rest.
Fred

 

[rob352]

carbon Helps Make The Water Super Clear

 

[Avi]

Carbon might make a little difference in the clarity or colorlessness of your reef's water (if you have a clarity or color problem to begin with.) But, the useful life of carbon is very limited and if your water quality is maintained, you more likely than not can do without it.

 

[Abysswater]

Carbon is also good to use for removing old treatment meds from water too. After a treatment has been applied.

 

[MDboyz]

It's good to have carbon, because if something happens in your tank, it will help to minimize it.

 

[sttroyiii]

It could never hurt as long as you dont leave it in there too long. Its cheap, why not?

 

[kingtoad]

Thanks everybody for your input and suggestions on carbon. I decided to put a sac of crabon in my sump.

 

[MiddletonMark]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6685155#post6685155 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Avi
Carbon might make a little difference in the clarity or colorlessness of your reef's water (if you have a clarity or color problem to begin with.) But, the useful life of carbon is very limited and if your water quality is maintained, you more likely than not can do without it.

Totally agree.

Used carbon for the first year + half or so of my tank's life - and haven't used it at all in the last year +.

IMO, tank is very fine without it, though in certain circumstances I'd use it again.