Is running carbon necessary in sps tanks?

[sps1-2-b]

I was wondering if running carbon (the black stuff, not carbon dosing) is necessary in an sps tank. I use to run it in a mesh bag but stopped 6 mos ago. I really don't see any difference and was wondering what others experiences are?

 

[29reef]

I use 12oz, changed every 2-4 weeks. Because I feel it helps keep my water clean and corals healthy. I see more people using it than ones that don't. Guess I just figured if it works I can just leave it alone.

 

[JustinReef]

I don't think it necessary at all but I run it most of the time. I live in a pretty small condo and all kinds of contaminants could get into the tank, so I like to have some carbon just in case. I also seem to end up with my hands in the tank almost weekly, so carbon will help a bit with anything that is on my hands that could hurt the tank.

I guess I just feel a little safer with carbon in the system.

 

[marke]

I like you have seen no difference with or without. I am not sure its a hugh help in a well run system; however i dont think it can hurt anything? It doesnt cost that much. So I run it when its easy. I may not be as frequent on the changes, and might run a week or two without before adding again. So the question is why not run it?

 

[sps1-2-b]

Would running carbon in a mesh bag and just setting it in the sump work, or should carbon be ran in a reactor (i.e. two little fishies phosban reactor or bulk reef supply)? Thanks for all the responses. I previously ran it in a mesh bag.

 

[LifeAquatic]

Carbon will work in a mesh bag. It works better in a ractor tho.

 

[reefsic]

I keep approx. 2L or KZ Aktivated Carbon along with Purigen in a passive flow down in my sump only because its highly suggested in the Zeovit program. Prior to going full blown Zeo, I never used Carbon!

 

[Amphiprion]

There's already plenty of organics in our tanks, so I use carbon 24/7 and have been for years. Granted, not all of it can be removed by carbon, but removing what can be can't hurt, either.

 

[Bullredchaser]

Reasons to use carbon is it removes dissolved organic compounds,smell,toxins released by corals,and gelvin the green tint in water which in turn provides more PAR actually reached to corals.The fact that it can help with accidental chemical spills(air deodorizer,candle fumes,windex,etc..) in aquariums is reason enough to use it.There is no reason not to use it.

 

[sps1-2-b]

Thanks everyone. Looks like I'm back to using carbon.

 

[Psionicdragon]

removes toxin from overdosing epsom salt

 

[drawman]

Not necessary by any means but I like to run it. It always makes my water look a little clearer.

 

[Akinivel]

I just like how clear the tank is after you replace carbon. It is worth it for that alone!

 

[boodlefish]

I don't replace it as much as I should but I keep a bag of carbon in my sump if anything it helps and doesn't seem to hurt anything.

 

[boodlefish]

I used to try to run in a reactor but it gave me nothing but problems, and seemed to be a pain in the you know what... so back to the mesh bag for me.

 

[biggyal66]

so do you just run anytype of carbon? or is there a preffered brand and plus do you just stick it in a hob filter or what? In lost?

 

[sjfishguy]

According to Feldman's lecture on protein skimmers at MACNA this year, carbon removes more organics than skimming. Sanjay runs multiple tanks apparently with carbon only, no skimmer. I was kinda taken back by these statements, but hey, just another good reason to run carbon.

 

[Nor_Cal_Guy]

Enlightened.

Good way to use it in a small 10g sump/refuge? Near return pump in mesh bag?

 

[Bullredchaser]

If carbon removes more organics than there skimmer,then they need a new skimmer.

 

[MentalNote]

I don't think carbon is required but it is an easy to add buffer to ensure organics are taken care of.

There are a few differnt types of carbon used in aquariums and if you go to Bulk Reef Supply's website there is a video explaining 3 of them, which they conviently sell.